Comments on: Homophobia in the Black Church Is Patriarchy in Drag

By: JeanLouise

JeanLouise — Tue, 29 May 2012 22:18:55 +0000

Well said, Cassandra!

By: Kimble

Kimble — Tue, 29 May 2012 21:08:01 +0000

Amen!

As others have said, patriarchy is hardly limited to African-American churches.

Somehow, because they are religious institutions, we are supposed to give Catholics, LDS, orthodox judaism, Islam, many strains of evangelicalism, etc. etc. (I’m just naming a few) a pass on their sexist practices.

Women just need to rise up and say no more. I’m proud that the church I’m most closely connected to, the Episcopal Church, has a women at its helm for the whole US, Katharine Jefforts Schori.

By: Bes

Bes — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:14:06 +0000

I really think this is one more example where working within the male designed, well established system to make it more equitable is a waste of time and energy. Women need to start a new religion and let the old ways rot. If men like patriarchal religions so well they can do the hard work involved in keeping them going. Given a choice between a religion that accepts and supports women and one that tries to oppress them, many women would freely choose the new religion. If we build a religion, they will come.

As far as men not being necessary to life and society. How is that our problem. There are clearly ways men can contribute if they want to but they aren’t a necessity and we don’t need their permission.

By: Kathleen Wynne

Kathleen Wynne — Tue, 29 May 2012 18:23:20 +0000

The true irony of the black patriarchy and women being treated as inferior to the men is that it was the women’s suffrage movement who fought equally as hard for black men and women to have the vote as white women; yet, when it came time for the black men to stand up against sexism, we found out they were just as sexist as the white man.

You are right…if only half the women would open their eyes and stand up to the patriarchy (much like that very brave Saudi woman did to the Saudi male mall police), we would see real change for women that could change the world for the better.

By: Marille

Marille — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:34:57 +0000

here is a link to a group who has started a white house petition drive in support of the ratification of the ERA
https://www.facebook.com/groups/142866632513878/?view=notifications

By: anna

anna — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:29:00 +0000

what you describe could be said about most white churches too and about general society.
the association male – leader and female – helpmate, assistant is predominant wherever I go. Men and women are not seen as equals is obvious in the refusal to finally have the ERA ratified (equal rights amendment) and there are too many politicians of both parties who need tons of work of convincing.
bad as the situation is as you describe, this view and practice of social standings are fed by general society.

there are exceptions, but these are exceptions.

By: Bes

Bes — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:51:46 +0000

Amen to that! And it’s not just black churches or just Christian churches, all religions have the same problem. I can’t even sit in my church anymore (Catholic) thanks to all the power abuses by the men who run it. Who the hell do they think they are? and aren’t they going to be in for a surprise when they meet God and have to answer for their actions in Gods name. I do support the Catholic education system though. But I think the women who buy into the farce are just in love with their own illusions which is a female trait that keeps the world running. While going through their daily lives of providing for everyone around them they wish for a helpmate themselves or even an equal partner who doesn’t require constant ego fluffing. A partner who was actually a leader, had a plan and could make it happen is their ultimate fantasy and they are in love with it. Also women enjoy the social opportunities of church more than men. I still think it is time for a new female lead religion option.