 "Photo: Lela Norem ~ Daily Egyptian")
First Christian Church in Carbondale will vote Nov. 15 for the addition of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender orientations into its congregation.
Pastor Katherine Graves said the church’s stance is not official until two-thirds of the congregation votes in favor of accepting all sexual orientations into the church community.
Graves said the congregation already includes several different sexual orientations, but the vote will clarify its political and social stance.
“People cannot be as insulated as they once could afford to be,” Graves said. “It’s pretty hard to hide behind the mask of prejudice.”
Graves has been the pastor since November 1999, and said it’s important to include people regardless of economic status, race or sexual orientation.
First Christian Church is not the only organization in Carbondale examining its acceptance toward people of all sexual orientations.
The Church of the Good Shepherd on Orchard Drive hosted a community pride picnic Sunday as part of GLBT History Month. Interim Pastor Sam Foskey said it was the first time his church has been a part of a GLBT event, and more than 200 people attended.
“Some of our members mentioned that we ought to do more to highlight our stance as an open and affirming church.” Foskey said. “The committee suggested that we have a GLBT pride event.”
Jackson County Health Department offered free HIV tests at the GLBT picnic. Steven St. Julian, HIV prevention and outreach coordinator, said being tested for HIV means taking pride in yourself and your health. He said the center offers weekly opportunities for free testing.
“Unfortunately, HIV is part of the gay community,” St. Julian said.
Caroline Staerk, director of field programs for Equality Illinois, handed out information at the picnic for a civil union bill she said is close to being passed.
Equality Illinois is an advocate for the constitutional rights of GLBT individuals, and if the bill is passed, it will give them basic rights, such as visiting their partner in the hospital or making health decisions.
“These individuals and their families are denied hundreds of protections and responsibilities offered by the state of Illinois,” Staerk said. “We should extend these basic legal protections to all people in Illinois.”
The university’s GLBT resource center offers additional social support to those who experience issues related to sexual orientation.
Carl Ervin, coordinator of student development-multicultural programs and services, said GLBT History Month is a time for people to examine diversity and culture.
Ervin said he helped plan activities that highlight GLBT History Month, such as the community pride picnic, participation in the homecoming parade and various keynote speakers.
A panel from the local GLBT community offered a question and answer session at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Student Center — “Everything You Want to Know But Were Afraid to Ask.” Ervin said the panel gave honest, straightforward answers to many unanswered questions.
“One of the fears people have is that they aren’t GLBT, but these events are for everyone,” Ervin said.
Christina Spakousky can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 258
