We’re back in Legislative season here in Oklahoma, which means it’s time — like clockwork — for this year’s predictable bout of discriminatory bills targeting LGBTQ Oklahomans. You can’t count on state government for much, but you can count on this — if the Oklahoma Legislature is in session, some legislator will try to boost … Continue reading Ignorance, fear and hatred are never the basis of good legislation
LGBTQ
Declaring independence from mythological America
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress declared independence from Britain. Two days later, they approved the draft we know as the Declaration of Independence. The document was first presented to the public on July 8, and it wasn’t until Aug. 2 that most of the signatories put their names to the document. We lump … Continue reading Declaring independence from mythological America
When sport is more than sport: The U.S. Women call us to a better society
I am not, by even the most liberal definition, a “sports guy.” So, please, do not take this as a sports column. But, sometimes the games played for our amusement mean something much more. Sometimes, sport calls us to examine the fiber of our society, and to take a principled stand for its betterment. … Continue reading When sport is more than sport: The U.S. Women call us to a better society
It’s time to embrace equality, with open arms, hearts, minds
This last week has given us two important opportunities to reflect on civil rights and religious freedom in American society. Wednesday was Harvey Milk Day, commemorating the birthday of the groundbreaking LGBTQ rights activist, and last Friday the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equality Act, which would extend the provisions of the 1964 Civil … Continue reading It’s time to embrace equality, with open arms, hearts, minds
The transgender ban — a betrayal of trust
I’m seldom saddened or shocked by the news anymore. Like many Americans, I’ve become somewhat numb to our country’s dystopian angst. But, an article this week from my beloved Naval Academy hurt just enough to shake me from my desensitized state. The headline from the CBS news piece read: “Naval Academy to ban transgender students … Continue reading The transgender ban — a betrayal of trust
This side of conversion therapy: Survivor, pastors, mom give diverging views on faith and LGBTQ sexuality
Katrina Kalb describes herself as being on a journey back into her Christian faith — a journey she almost didn’t live to take. Today, Kalb, in her early 40s, is interim president of Free Mom Hugs, a nonprofit that advocates for unconditional love of and equality for LGBTQ people. But, in her 20s, Kalb was … Continue reading This side of conversion therapy: Survivor, pastors, mom give diverging views on faith and LGBTQ sexuality
The Methodist question: passion, pain and the need for grace
This originally was published by CNHI News in the opinion column "Reflections with Purpose." In the difficult and often rocky path of a Christian life, there is perhaps no task more fraught with pitfalls than striking a balance between passion and grace. And grace, my friends, is sorely needed right now as members of the … Continue reading The Methodist question: passion, pain and the need for grace
An issue on which we all (should) agree
Until recently, I thought there still was one area on which we all could agree: pedophilia. We could disagree on politics, religion, sports, the proper way to hang a roll of toilet paper. But, at the end of the day we all could agree that the sexual exploitation of children is every shade of wrong. … Continue reading An issue on which we all (should) agree
Fear not: An open letter
To my conservative, Evangelical brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, I am writing in a spirit of love, and with more than a little concern for our shared walk in Christ. You and I may not agree on some things. In fact, we may disagree on quite a lot. But, I’d like to … Continue reading Fear not: An open letter
Poisoning the Body of Christ: The Nashville Statement
Much attention has been given this week to the Nashville Statement, a manifesto on sexuality published Tuesday by the evangelical Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW). I disagree with the CBMW statement. I affirm that all human beings, regardless of sexual orientation, are made in the image of God, all are loved by God, all … Continue reading Poisoning the Body of Christ: The Nashville Statement
James R. Neal 