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David Gary: Convener of Integrity-AL - 2004
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From the Convener

By now I am sure you have read press accounts of the website of a north Alabama sheriff longing for a return to the "good old days" of his Alabama youth. The politically charged message he pledges to devote all his energy to returning the society to the values held so dear in the 1940s and 50s. This is from the website of Mac Holcomb, Sheriff of Marshall County:

I am proud to be an American and that I was fortunate enough to be born in Alabama. The state that has its motto "We dare defend our rights". I was raised in era, the 1940's as a child and the 1950's as a teenager, which I remember with great affection.

During this era, love of God, family, and country abounded. Men were men and women were women and there was no mistaking which was which. Both were proud of their individual roles. Homosexuality was very queer and a despicable act… an abomination.

And there's lots more... Source:
Sheriff's Office

+ + +

Lord, have mercy upon us.

According to the press, this overtly negative message to our community had been posted for a number of years and no outcry occurred.

While it is sad this communique had gone unaddressed so long, I celebrate that we may now be approaching an age where such denouncement of any group by a public official is no longer acceptable in Alabama. It is my hope that through education and one-on-one association with lgbt people, this sheriff may listen to, if not learn, the errors of his ways.

Apparently it took a California man cruising the net to alert the world of yet another very public, backward, anti-lgbt kick to the ribs of Alabamians.

The message is not only mean-spirited but represents so well the spiritually abusive atmosphere we deal with in this state. Unfortunately, this may be another example of how we, as a minority group, become desensitized toward an abundance of mean-spirited messages around us.

The positive reinforcement and hard work of groups like Integrity Alabama, PFLAG and Equality Alabama is so needed in places like this.

The sheriff's letter could not have gone unchallenged so long if the general consensus of a community did not allow it. I do not suggest that all people of his county agree with his sentiments, but do suggest that such would not exist were there enough people there empowered to say a loud NO to such entrenched oppression.

I bid your prayers for this man and the people of Marshall County, especially lgbt people.

I also bid your prayers for anyone who has the energy to bring Sheriff Holcomb the good news and be the lgbt (or lgbt-supporter) example to him that prompts his understanding we are no more abominations than he.

By David Gary
January 15, 2004

2004 Year in Review: more to say......(underlined Text in Blue are hyperlinks, click on them)

2004 Blanket Distribution A Success: Unprecedented giving, both monetarily and through volunteer hours, enabled Integrity Alabama to provide 1,058 blankets through ten different agencies at more than a dozen distribution points.

Evangelism, fellowship and just a lot of good fun too place for members and friends of Integrity Alabama this weekend:

On Friday night, people gathered for a pot luck supper at the Birmingham home of convener David Gary and then proceeded to the Virginia Samford Theater to see Bethe's Ensey's production, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."

Then today, Sunday, Integrity Alabama was represented well at the Magic City AIDS Walk held in Birmingham benefiting Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO) when members manned an informational booth at Caldwell Park and participated in the march, carrying a large icon of Bishop Gene Robinson.

The energy is good and spirit great.

Upcoming events reminders:

October 7-9: justice IS orthodox theology, a nationwide gathering of Episcopalians celebrating our unity in Christ while embracing our call to do justice while witnessing to God's love in our lives. All Saints Episcopal Church, Atlanta GA

Confirmed Participants Include: The Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire; The Right Reverend Steven Charleston, President and Dean of EDS; The Reverend Winnie Varghese, Episcopal Chaplain, Columbia University; The Honorable Byron Rushing, Massachusetts State Representative; and, music by H.A.R.C. -- Ana Hernandez and Ruth Cunningham.

Planned Program Includes: Festival Eucharist at All Saints Church ; Workshops: Opportunities for education and inspiration presented by national justice leaders; Giants of Justice.

Banquet: Honoring those who have led us thus far; celebrations of the 30th Anniversaries of the Ordination of Women and the founding of Integrity