Head Episcopalian Preaches the Faith is About the Marginalized


There is one consistent theme of conservative Christianity, weaponize the faith to demonize and dump on groups members do not like. During slavery and segregation, it was black people. It has always been women. In recent decades it was gays and today it is trans. Even Trump sees opportunity is weaponizing the faith against trans people.

Also inside the faith have been groups who see it as a weapon the lift up the marginalized. The Quakers seem like such a group. A leader in the Episcopalian denomination took on the Christian right by preaching that Jesus was all about welcoming and accepting the marginalized.  

This is about, of course, the favorite phrase in Christianity, "What this means is..." The Episcopalian used it, segregationists used it and now anti trans use it. Why not, it's free.

I wish Christianity were not such a market driven religion. Here in the U.S. preachers are at the mercy of those in the pews. Those in the pews pay the bills. If they want to hear that trans people are sinners that is what the preacher has to say. I suppose some can avoid the topic but they, too, must keep in mind their employment depended on the collection plate.

What a force for good it would be if the entire Christian enterprise was about cheering for the marginalized and the underdogs. Surely that message attributed to Jesus played a role in the religion's success across many countries. One would think it would help the religion regain its footing today.

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