Personal Reflections of Bishop Michael J. Coyner

#64. LIFE IN THE DAKOTAS: No More Violence Matthew Shepherd died in our neighboring state of Wyoming. He was a young gay man (a freshman at the University of Wyoming) who was the victim of violence and hatred against homosexual persons. According to news reports, two men seized Matthew, robbed him, beat him nearly to death, tied him to a fencepost like a scarecrow, set him on fire, and left him for dead. He was found by passers-by and taken to a hospital where he lingered for a few days and then died. Two men have been arrested, and it seems likely that their two girlfriends will also be arrested for assisting in this ghastly crime. As I look at a map and see how close Wyoming is to the Dakotas Area where I serve (bordering on the western edge of South Dakota), I am sickened with the thought of how nearby this unthinkable crime occured. How can anyone hate another person enough to do that kind of violence? Is our fear of homosexual persons so great that it leads people to act in such inhuman ways? Why is it that some heterosexual men can only feel "tough" by expressing their hatred toward homosexual men and women? This terrible news event from our neighboring state makes me wonder about the current debate in our United Methodist denomination over the issue of homosexuality. Somewhere in the midst of this significant debate and its related topics of scriptural authority, the role of chuch tradition, medical evidence, and personal experience -- somewhere in the midst of that important debate, have we as a denomination sent any false signals that would allow anyone to think that hatred of homosexual persons is ever acceptable? Certainly our Social Principles state boldly that "homosexual persons are persons of sacred worth," and we are called to be engaged in ministry with and to homosexual persons. Yet still I wonder, has all of this debate given anyone the idea that we would ever condone violence against gay and lesbian persons? I hope not. But I have to report that some of the mail that I receive about this issue (especially from elsewhere in the country) is filled with hatred. In the midst of an important debate in our denomination, there are some really crazy-sounding people who get involved and spread hatred and fear and threats and accusations. So let all of us, no matter where we stand on the debate about homosexuality, affirm again -- in as bold a way as we can -- that violence against any person because of his or her sexual preferences or practices is always wrong. Let there be NO MORE VIOLENCE against the Matthew Shepherds of the world, or against anyone else. NO MORE VIOLENCE. And so I pray ... Lord, how awful it is to know that violence and evil are present In our world in strange and powerful ways; I suppose that such evil deeds and prejudice are always around Trying to cast their ignorant sway. Save us from hatred and violence toward one another, Help us treat each one as a sister or brother. Never let us imply in all of our rhetoric That such violence is anything but totally pathetic. Forgive us for our part in spreading such hatred, Forgive us for not stopping or objecting to its use; Keep us from condoning by our words or our silence Such evil prejudice, violence, and abuse. Amen.

[Home] [Back] [Contact Us]