This year has proven to be a very stressful one. It seems that no matter what happens there is douche baggery at every corner just waiting to pounce on you as you walk by. It seemed to begin with Amendment One here in NC and it’s all gone downhill with pastors who seem to think they can be hateful in their pulpit and that it somehow conveys Jesus’s love.

(Pastor) Sean Harris spent a good amount of time instructing his congregation on how to make any possibly gay children straight. He even goes as far as to say that a man should punch his son in order to make him straight. Girls should be forced to wear dresses and makeup to keep them from going “butch”. I found that to be appalling enough considering I have a daughter who hates dresses and refuses to wear makeup. LOL I don’t wear make up either! Oh dear Mr. Harris (I refuse to address you as Pastor because you are not a leader but a degenerate) must think I am a lesbian!

But wait! It gets even better! Now we have (Pastor) Charles Worley who has gone down the deep dark tunnel of the Nazi mindset. Suggestions of concentration camps and waiting for homosexuals to die off? Now if I sat in sacred space and heard about any sort suggestion that we put a group of people into a concentration camp, I would walk out. After that I would denounce that group and no longer associate with them. Do you think that happen? So far, no. It appears that his congregation actually backs him up! Is this because they cannot think for themselves? Afraid to speak against him? What could possibly possess anyone to back up such cruel actions against anyone? I don’t know. It makes me sick to know that they live just a short 2 hours from me.

And now the KKK is making themselves heard again. They have been very quiet for a long time now but word has it they are inviting people in Harmony NC to a cross burning. Apparently the invitation includes their tag line “It ain’t right if it ain’t white”.

But something can be done and I am asking for each one of you to do something! It can be something I suggest or something you come up with on your own but please SPEAK OUT against this sort of behavior!

1. You can contact Charles Worley and tell him how you feel

Providence Road Baptist Church
Attn: Pastor Worley
3283 Providence Mill Rd.
Maiden, NC 28650
preacherworley@charter.net
(828) 428-2518 (DO NOT CALL! THIS IS FOR USE IN OPTION #3!)

2. You can join a peaceful protest this Sunday, May 27th, with Catawba Valley Citizens Against Hate. They are asking that no one shouts or harasses church goers. Any signage should avoid profanity or hate speech. The above link is a Facebook link so if you don’t have Facebook you can email them for more info @ catawbavalleyagainsthate@gmail.com

3. Donate to an LGBTQ organization in Charles Worley’s name. Anytime a donation is made, a thank you letter is sent to him. And best part is that the organizations benefit greatly. You can use his above contact info for any donations made. If you would like a list of suggested donations, please visit The God Article whom has organized a very extensive list!

Whatever it is that you can do, please do it! I know that my readers are caring souls regardless of our opposing religious views and I know that if we stand in solidarity we can make changes in this world that are for the better. Won’t you help out?

UPDATED!

I checked Facebook and saw some wondrous news about the protest on Sunday From Catawba Valley Citizens Against Hate:

A lot of you guys are emailing us and asking about the protest on Sunday. Originally we expected around 200 people. The response has been incredible with an expected 1,500-2000 people from around the country — and more people are making the decision to come stand with us as the world watches. Entire churches are chartering buses and driving overnight to join us on Sunday.

We have also unofficially received word that the church has moved services out-of-town on Sunday. To that end, we are meeting with law enforcement and other officials today to discuss relocating the protest to another location that will better accommodate this number of people with adequate parking and space.

I am amazed at how many people are ready to show support against hate speech towards a group of people. It is truly an awesome thing to witness. Furthermore it saddens me that the church might have chosen to move their services. It proves to be a cowardly move when they are afraid of seeing a group of people standing together in peaceful protest. Just when you think humanity is going to kick you down, people prove to you that they truly understand what it means to be loving.

Updated AGAIN!

Our family will be able to join the protest this Sunday. Originally I was to be at the Temple but one of the other Priestesses was gracious enough to step up and take over for me so that we could go. If you are going, please let me know!

Updated YET AGAIN! (5.24)

Catawba County is now trying to block our peaceful protest. The general consensus is is that no matter what there will be a protest. Whether it’s in a space that the county provides OR we take to the streets in a very MLK sort of way. It is very important that people make Catawba County aware that the world is watching. PLEASE contact them on Facebook and let them know how you feel about blocking our efforts. If you are outside of NC, please let them know that you are watching. It’s just too important for them to ignore us!

Yet Another Update – 5.24 8:30pm

Catawba County has granted us space for a peaceful protest. I cannot tell you how happy this makes me! We were getting concerned that civil disobedience might be in order and while that can be a great thing, I am all about a peaceful protest. Here is the official statement:

CATAWBA COUNTY GRANTS PERMISSION FOR USE

OF JUSTICE CENTER GROUNDS ON SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2012

For years, Catawba County has had an ordinance governing the public use of grounds and facilities that has served the best interests of the community.  This ordinance has ensured public safety, protected public property, and insulated taxpayers from undue liability and risk.

Today, Catawba County received an application for public use of the lawn of the Catawba County Justice Center for the purpose of assembly on Sunday, May 27, 2012.   This application raised questions regarding the constitutionality of the existing regulation, specifically the 14-day requirement for applications to be received in the County Manager’s Office.

Catawba County has always striven to uphold the First Amendment rights of free speech and peaceable assembly.  After receiving the citizen’s application today, the County consulted with constitutional law experts.  Following significant discussion and analysis, and in the interest of demonstrating appropriate respect for the ideals embedded in the Constitution, Catawba County has chosen to grant permission for the assembly this Sunday.  The issues raised have given the County the opportunity to examine the existing regulations, and in the coming weeks staff will be working on creating a revised ordinance that ensures balance between the community’s significant interests and the exercise of first amendment freedoms.

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