Gay activists unfairly lay claim to civil rights mantle, African-Americans say_62804

Posted: 6/25/04

Gay activists unfairly lay claim to civil
rights mantle, African-Americans say

By Karen L. Willoughby

Baptist Press

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)–African-American Christians need to stand against same-sex marriage, the president of the National African American Fellowship said.

President Robert Anderson, pastor of Colonial Baptist Church in Randallstown, Md., told the fellowship at its annual meeting in Indianapolis: "It is very important that we as the National African American Fellowship make a statement on same-sex marriage. We've been silent too long."

Jerry Dailey. pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in San Antonio.

Gay activists have “come into our territory to claim the mantle of civil rights for their cause,” Anderson said.

“We as blacks ought to be able to give voice to God's word. Leviticus 18:22 says homosexuality is an abomination before the Lord.

“Maybe we've been silent because we have them singing in our churches. For them to be thinking homosexuality is OK, we have done them an injustice. Wrong is wrong, and God doesn't cover up sin.”

Pointing to Psalm 11:3– “When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”–Anderson said: “There are times God says stand, and this is such a time. God is going to fight the battle for you, but you must stand.”

Anderson urged fellowship members to contact their two senators before the Federal Marriage Amendment comes up for a vote in July and voice support for the measure.

“Fight the good fight,” he said. “I want you to know; God is waiting for you to do so.”

Anderson also urged African-American Christians to minister to former inmates who are trying to re-enter society.

Noting a wave of people being released from prison who were incarcerated during the 1970s' and '80s' war on drugs, he said the upswing started last year and will continue for another two or three more years.

“More than 600,000 are being released every year, and 42 percent of them are African-American,” Anderson said. “Please consider economic development in reaching and helping these coming out of jail.

“Yes, there's a risk. If it were easy, everyone would do it. If we're talking about reaching the low, reaching the poor, reaching the needy … let us consider these people and their families.”

Guest speaker Jerry Dailey, pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in San Antonio, spoke from Isaiah 5:1-6 about the danger of God cutting off those who do not tend to the vineyard with which he entrusts them.

“This is a song of indictment; there's not much celebration in it,” Dailey said. “God wants, God expects your best–especially in light of all he's done for you. He's healed you, protected you, delivered you, provided for you. …”

Officers of the National African American Fellowship through 2005 include Anderson, president; Mark Croston Sr., pastor of East End Baptist Church in Suffolk, Va., vice president; Frankie Harvey, a member of Nacogdoches Bible Fellowship, secretary; and Leon Johnson, pastor at Bread of Life Baptist Church in Chicago, treasurer.

Jerry Dailey, pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in San Antonio, preaches at the National African American Fellowship meeting in Indianapolis.