December 31, 2004 

Rev. Deborah De Winter
Program Executive for the US
US Office, World Council of Churches
475 Riverside Drive, Room 1371
New York, Ny 100115 

Walter Cardinal Kasper
President Pontifical Commission for the Promotion of Christian Unity
00193 Roma, Via dell’Erba, 1
Vatican City. 

Re: A Day of Prayer for Christian Unity 

Dear Sister and Brother in Christ, 

The purpose of this letter is to remind your joint committee of “A Day of Prayer for Christian Unity” that mutual love must be your animating force. Christianity has had times in the past, and the present where its actions have not been motivated by agape.

Two historical events that point this out are: the schism of the Eleventh Century which was responsible for bringing a great deal of pain to the body of Christ. However, a benefit grew out of this schism, doctrinal development within the Western Church. The second event took place in 1054 when the Eastern and Western Church separated. Additionally, the event of December 7, 1965 was the first step in the journey of healing that breach. On this date both Roman Catholics and Orthodox Churches abolished the anathemas of 1054 between their respective leaders. This act was recognition of mutual fault. 

Sadly the body of Christ is still being victimized by Christians who promote hatred towards Christians who are gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (GLBT). I am asking you to remember that the lack of charity is the most significant reason this hate is motivated, and in some quarters of Christianity the Church has become the vehicle to promote this cultural bias. Just as the world, including the churches, finally had to admit that people of color were full human beings --and ordain them, educate them, free them-- they will soon have to admit that GLBT are human beings with the same basic rights as other human beings. Doctrine must be able to free itself from the prison of the past so that development can proceed.  

This year your joint committee is using the symbol of the “Rainbow” as your witness to our diversity as Christians. The “Rainbow” symbol has significant worth for both the world wide gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community, and the peace movement in Europe. It is my hope that you will continue to stand behind the use of this symbol, and that you continue to encourage the use of this symbol in the various Christian Communities around the world as we unite together in “A Day of Prayer for Christian Unity.”

What I find problematic is the lack of participation from any Christian GLBT Churches and organizations. I encourage you to welcome all Christians, and this includes gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender Christians. Charity is the supreme commandment of the Gospel, without which all the rest is “a noisy gong or a clanging symbol. 

Sincerely Yours in Christ, 

Joe Murray
US Convener
Rainbow Sash Movement.