Pastors gather to endorse city's nondiscrimination proposal

Rev. Erika Forbes, of Awakening Spiritual Community, joins other clergy in support of the proposed nondiscrimination ordinance during a press conference in front of City Hall, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013. The City Council is expected to hear public comments Wednesday afternoon and will vote on the ordinance on Thursday. less Rev. Erika Forbes, of Awakening Spiritual Community, joins other clergy in support of the proposed nondiscrimination ordinance during a press conference in front of City Hall, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013. The City ... more Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Pastors gather to endorse city's nondiscrimination proposal 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

On the same city hall steps where a gathering of religious leaders last week objected to a proposed nondiscrimination ordinance, another clergy group Tuesday voiced support, citing Scripture and belief as informing their call to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

About 50 clergy — ranging from Jewish to mainline Protestant, nondenominational and Catholic — also took turns praying for the controversial proposal to pass when City Council votes on it Thursday.

They read a petition of support signed by 60-plus local clergy, including a local Catholic priest and nun, that said the measure goes far in extending equality in housing, jobs, business and city affairs. It would add “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” to the list of protected classes in the city's nondiscrimination policies.

“We are commanded to treat people fairly and with respect,” said Darryl Crystal, interim rabbi of Temple Beth-El, the city's largest Jewish congregation. “We believe every soul is precious to God.”

Last week, Hispanic and black ministers spoke against the proposal, rejecting comparisons between the civil rights movement and the LGBT fight for equality. They criticized it for failing to protect religious expression and free speech, especially for those who believe in traditional marriage alone.

Many of those on the steps Tuesday denounced such thinking as a smokescreen to continue the status quo. They cited the use of the Bible by religious leaders decades and centuries ago to justify slavery or segregation as mistaken, out-of-context interpretations not tolerated today.

“As people of faith, we believe protecting people from harassment and discrimination, hatred and economic persecution is found in page after page of our holy texts and our ancient traditions,” said the Rev. Kelly Allen, pastor of University Presbyterian Church. “And for me as a Christian, in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus who called people out of blindness and hypocrisy.”

Lauryn Farris, a transgender woman, spoke of how Sister Geraldine Kline, a Dominican nun, helped her return to a life of faith despite feeling abandoned by God.

“She helped me see that God had not forsaken me,” Farris said, adding she's been committed to her partner for 31 years and raising two sons. Farris read a statement from Kline, a license professional counselor unable to attend the press conference:

“As a woman of faith, I believe each person must stand before God in good conscience. Christians believe that what we do to others, we do to Christ. Who has the right to judge anyone as unworthy of his or her basic human rights?” Kline wrote.

Father Robert Woody, rector of the Episcopal Church of Reconciliation, said most of his congregation signed a letter of support for the ordinance last Sunday. It calls for passage but also respect for members of the faith community so as to promote an environment of civility.

alevy@express-news.net