Progress in the Pulpit

The relationship between organized religion and the LGBTQ community has long been fraught with tension. Faith-based communities from all major religions have struggled with the question of whether, when and how far to go in accepting LGBTQ members. Only in the last decade has significant progress been made—but not without a price. Individual houses of worship, and even whole subgroups, have splintered off from parent organizations—or been cast out—over the issue of same-sex marriage. Many LGBTQ members have left their organized religions, and still more parents, friends and other allies have recoiled from homophobia in the pulpit.

This multi-denominational, interfaith panel, moderated by WNYC’s Arun Venugopal, looks at how shifts in attitudes and legislation have impacted religious doctrine and debate; how faith leaders can welcome LGBTQ congregants, while still giving space to more conservative members to “evolve” more slowly; and, as far as we have come, how far we still need to go.

Panelists include:

• Barza Hashmi, Chair of the NY/NJ chapter of Muslims for Progressive Values
• Rev. Janyce Jackson, Unity Fellowship of Newark
• Joy Ladin, Chair of the English Dept. at Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University and transgender activist
• Bishop George Lucey, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church of Glen Ridge
• Rabbi Jesse Olitzky of Congregation Beth El of South Orange
• Rev. Bernard W. Poppe, St. George’s Episcopal Church in Maplewood
• Rev. Chuck Rush of Christ Church of Summit