Why Donnie McClurkin should 'Fall Down', and stay down ...

**Updates below**

With all the drama surrounding Barack Obama's inclusion of gospel singer and 'reformed' homosexual Donnie McClurkin in his southern gospel concert tour, Donnie, I believe, will back out of the concert. And for good reason.

In this country, matters of church are supposed to be completely separate from matters of state -- Presidential campaigns certainly qualify. Although the religious right has shamelessly blurred that line (while greedily holding onto their tax exempt status), it is clear to me that politics and God don't mix.

McClurkin will without a doubt, with his infamous anti-gay message, cost Obama votes -- mine included. Giving a man who believes homosexuals are going to burn in hell forever and ever (a silly notion only the blindly faithful could believe), a platform to preach and sing his passive-aggressive form of hate is tantamount to agreeing that gay people should change, or else.

Others feel that if Obama dumps McClurkin he'll lose votes from the conservative black religious right. It's true. He's got a rock and a hard place situation. However, losing those votes -- while standing up for the right of all Americans to enjoy the religious freedoms this country was founded on, and against religious extremism -- should be a feather in his cap. And if Obama can't see that, then he's not the man I thought he was.

All across the globe, homosexuals are subjegated and often killed -- all by religious people who feel God has got their back. McClurkin, with his melodies and voice, sings to these people and validates, hell, PROMOTES their behavior.

I know Donnie had a hard life. Well boo-fuckin-hoo, so have I. A win-win for Obama is for McClurkin to 'Fall Down' willingly, before he takes Barack with him. And I predict he will, after some gentle urging for Barack's corner. ~~

Updates:

Pam's House Blend -- 'Ex-gay' McClurkin's alleged lover: I was with him after he prayed away the gay

Chuma Spirit Magazine's Take on Inclusion of Gay Minister (post and video here)

Statement from Bishop Tonyia M. Rawls
Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

"When thinking of the love ethic of Christ, it is always challenging to see those who in the effort to live out their faith find it necessary to condemn the "other" in their midst. Reverend McClurkin's assault on the LGBT community is not consistent with Jesus' walk; a walk that always sought ways of expanding verses shrinking the family circle. Women, lepers, tax collectors, gentiles, the poor and disenfranchised were all looked down upon and even despised by many religious leaders of his day, but Jesus instead saw all as children of the living God.

"I challenge Reverend McClurkin and others who use their voices to cause harm to press past the easy and wide road of ignorance and homophobia toward love's narrow way. While presidential candidate Barack Obama has stated strongly his support for LGBT rights, privileges and protections, it is my hope that he will not allow others to use his platform or presence to promote views and opinions contrary to that position."