Thread: Church Leaders Asked to Support Diversity Education

Church leaders asked to support diversity education

By Peter Hegarty
Staff Writer
Posted: 06/26/2009 03:32:01 PM PDT
Updated: 06/27/2009 02:23:45 PM PDT


ALAMEDA — Local leaders of the United Church of Christ are calling on their fellow pastors and ministers to support teaching diversity and multicultural education in public schools in response to the issue coming under fire when it was proposed here and in Castro Valley.

The local representatives are asking 900 delegates from across the country who are now attending the church's General Synod in Grand Rapids, Mich., to approve a resolution which backs diversity lessons, saying they reflect Jesus' command for people to love their neighbors.

"Children and youth are dying, literally dying, because they have not heard this message of hope," said the Rev. Dr. Arlene Nehring, senior minister at Eden United Church of Christ in Hayward.

Nehring and other local church leaders decided to propose the resolution after controversy erupted over Castro Valley High School's "Day of Diversity" program, as well as over the lesson plans within the Alameda Unified School District that aim to curb anti-gay teasing and bullying on the playground.

In Castro Valley, parents recently sued the district after they learned that lesbian minister Nehring was addressing students at the high school, while in Alameda the anti-bullying curriculum — which will be taught in kindergarten through fifth grade — sparked weeks of heated debate before it was approved last month.

"What I bemoan is the fact that the argument against it has been posed
as, 'Your right to be infringes on my right to be,'" said the Rev. Laura Rose, a lesbian and senior pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Alameda.

Church delegates are expected to vote on the resolution Tuesday.

While it would not be binding on pastors and ministers if it passes, the resolution would still send a "word of encouragement" as congregations look at how gay issues are addressed in schools, the Ohio-based Rev. Michael Schuenemeyer said.

According to the resolution, "school districts have a mandate to keep their children safe from emotional and physical harm by providing lessons to address ways in which words like 'gay' are misused by children as early as kindergarten to tease, humiliate and bully fellow students."

The resolution also says that "Days of Diversity" help children reach their full potential "without fear or intimidation."

Among the resolution supporters is Teri Kennedy, a member of Rose's church in Alameda and a special-education teacher at Alameda High School.

"I want my son to learn that there are all kinds of families and that what's important is taking care of those we love," Kennedy said.

Formed in 1957, the United Church of Christ is a Protestant church with 1.2 million members. Its General Synod meets every two years.

Reach Peter Hegarty at phegarty@bayareanewsgroup.com or 510-748-1654.

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12698633

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