Panel discusses gays and religions

Traditionally a banned and rejected subject within religious organizations, homosexuality has only recently becoming an accepted way of life within many churches.

Four members of the Jewish and Christian communities debated this issue in a Cal State Long Beach panel discussion Tuesday on homosexuality and religion.

Traditionally, many religions have rejected homosexuality, but in recent years there has been an effort to be more accepting and compassionate toward lesbian, gay and bisexual people, said Rev. Edward Hansen, a United Methodist campus minister at CSULB and who was one of the speakers.

"The task facing those who represent these religions is to interpret the religion in ways that are affirming and lifegiving to gay and lesbian people," Hansen said.

Gale Smith, campus minister for the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, said a lot of gays and lesbians have dropped out of church and have given up on God. She said some people have committed suicide because they could not change their sexual orientation.

"We would like to show them that God should always be part of their lives," she said.

Representing the Roman Catholic Church, Rev. Peter J. Liuzzi, director of ministry with lesbian and gay Catholics, asked the audience to do their best not to internalize the negative messages they get from churches and society.

He said that the Roman Catholic doctrines have not changed, but that attitudes toward homosexuality are more positive.

"Prejudice against gays in any way that offends and hurts or embarrasses people within or outside the church is in no way accepted," he said. "And it is to be decried by our bishop."

Representing the religious Jewish community in Palos Verdes, Sam Radwine, cantor of the Congregation Ner Tamid, said there are 60 synagogues that accept and welcome homosexuality.

Some of the questions posed by the approximately 25-member audience included how to deal with taking the Scripture literally, why homosexuality is being taught or addressed by churches in this era, and where the speakers learned to be tolerant.

Many panel members said that personal experience and the love for God made them accept and tolerate gay and lesbian people.

Liuzzi said that teaching homosexuality in the churches was prompted because of AIDS and because of misconceptions about gay and lesbian people.

Hansen said the Scripture should not be taken literally. He said to read the Bible, but understand the history and use reasoning and personal experience to interpret it.

"As a lesbian, I feel supported that homosexuality and religion is being addressed in this campus," said Elise Leahy, a junior who is majoring in psychology. "I enjoy the speakers. They took the time to come out to talk about this issue, which is a taboo that many institutions won't take a stand on."