And More On Mars Hill…

And the Mars Hill debate doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.                                                      

Yesterday, The Portland Mercury asked: should Portland queers offer this obviously anti-gay megachurch an olive branch? It was an even-keeled, factual report, respectfully presenting both sides of the issue. On the one hand, we have Q Center (very publicly) talking to Mars Hill, making an attempt to coexist peacefully. And in this corner, we have this humble blogger columnist–representing the opposing viewpoint. But this blog column isn’t about rehashing old issues–I stand by my words and they remain unambiguous. No amount of discourse will convince me that Mars Hill–and evangelicals of that ilk–don’t live in a delusional world detached from any and all reality. Nor will anyone convince me that their movement isn’t actively trying to remake our country’s culture in their image. And to anyone decrying speaking out against them as some violation of free speech or freedom of religion: beliefs that make the world a more dangerous place for us to merely exist should always be scrutinized. And scrutiny isn’t censorship.

That said, the vehement blowback against Q Center seems disproportionate–to put it mildly. Leaders there have been called everything from traitors to Nazi-lovers. There are calls to boycott Q. I’ve been encouraged–publicly and privately–to disavow any association with Q Center going forward. So here we are: divided, bickering, angry.

Trust me, I empathize with the rage. Here’s this representation (in the Hill people) of what, on so many levels, has made growing up and existing queer so painful–and here’s our own community center holding talks with them. And absolutely: public decisions like the ones made by Q should also be subject to scrutiny. We are free to opine. But name-calling? Boycotts? Hate? You’d think Q Center spent the last year snuggling in bed with Jerry Falwell–or that they emptied their coffers and gave all their money to Focus on the Family.

A wise friend of mine said something the other day that really struck a chord. To paraphrase her: there’s something liberating and empowering about looking your enemy in the eye, letting them know where you stand, and refusing to back down. While I still think holding talks with Hill people will yield few–if any–tangible, satisfying results, I can respect someone’s choice to do so. Q Center still does a lot–a lot–of good work, providing vital services to many, many parts of our community–for some, it’s the only place to go. Would you take that away from everyone because of one decision you disagree with?

I wouldn’t, which is why I’m not disavowing Q Center or my friends who work there. And you shouldn’t, either. Disagreeing (or agreeing, for that matter) with our allies doesn’t make Mars Hill less reprehensible. What harm will come from letting the process unfold, from seeing what happens? If things get sketchy, we’ll respond. (And, in the interim, I’m certain many of us won’t stop scrutinizing right-wing belief systems.) Let’s have constructive debate with each other–and save the righteous anger and indignation for the people who actually hate us.

The opinions contained herein are those of Daniel Borgen, not Just Out.

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1. 

   Jimmy says:

   September 30, 2011 at 5:40 pm

   I believe that the only way to find peace is to open up and have free flowing communication. While you may never have common beliefs and you may disagree on just about everything, it is important to keep an open mind and open heart. It is not for us to place hate or judgement towards anyone. If we do, aren’t we just like them?

   Personally, I think the Q Center is doing the right thing and has my full support!
2. 

   Brad Larsen says:

   October 2, 2011 at 7:24 pm

   True and honest dialogue is not about trying to convince the other. I appreciate your measure response and I join you in fully supporting Q Center!