Few people have had so much influence as Rev. D. James Kennedy of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida. Some credit Kennedy with the rise of the radical religious right. I credit him with much of the vitriolic attacks on gays and lesbians from the right.
Kennedy was often quoted in the press with his inflammatory statements. Try this one on for size from a 1989 newsletter:
“With other dangerous and contagious diseases, all sorts of efforts are made to identify those carrying the disease, and to minimize their contact with the public. And yet, here we have homosexual rights groups working day and night to make sure AIDS victims ARE NOT IDENTIFIED! Until action is taken, AIDS victims are free to infect anyone."
Add to that equations of being gay with practicing bestiality and you get an idea of how hate filled this alleged man of God was. That voice is finally silent. Kennedy died today at 76. This makes the second of the hate mongering preachers of the radical right to pass away this year. Jerry Falwell’s death occurred in May.
So what is my take on it? Well it will have two effects. One there will be fewer voices spewing bigotry in the name of Christianity. Two, his family and friends will miss him very much. To that end, I would offer my sympathies. I do not celebrate anyone’s death. Life is far too short to take joy in the passing of others, but I do hope his flock might reconsider their tiny selfish God. For if they worshiped the same God I do, they would know His extravagant grace extends to all peoples. I only hope they find peace and someday the vision to see a God of love and not hate.
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