On Wednesday night,
Melissa and I
ventured into town to hear a panel discussion about sexuality and
spirituality at the Holocaust Centre. It was quite an experience! The
panel consisted of five religious leaders-
Reverend Laurie Gaum, his father, Reverend Frits Gaum, Imam Muhsin
Hendricks,
Reverend Judith Kotze, and Rabbi Sam Thurgood. Facilitating the
discussion was
Marlene Wasserman, an internationally trained Sex and Couple Therapist.
After
introductions, the panel was asked an extremely important question of
whether
religion can be a place in which society can trust. It was interesting
to hear
the responses, as most replied that sexuality should not interfere when
practicing a religion. However, a comment was made that implied that
homosexuality does not correspond with the values of religion. This was
not
well received by the audience, as a person’s sexual orientation is not a
value
but rather a part of who they are. Though values help us to navigate our
identities, they can always be changed or modified; sexuality is not as
concrete, especially for those who do not fit the hetero-normative
standard. As
many from the panel were not heterosexual, they understood that religion
should
embrace and support this diversity, instead of shunning it.
Reverend Judith Kotze brought up a
point that I really liked in that religion should be about integration,
inclusion, and moving forward. While I personally do not consider myself to be
very religious, I do not think that human rights should ever be in conflict with
practicing spirituality. People should not be excluded or denied from any
religious affiliation on account of their sexual orientation. This discussion
of injustice should continue amongst religious leaders, as they are of major
influence on our society. If sexuality can be discussed openly and supportively
in our religious communities, perhaps our society will become a more tolerant
and accepting place.
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