A group of Evangelical Christians released a manifesto entitled the “Nashville Statement” last Friday in Nashville, Tennessee. The group called Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, comprised of evangelical leaders, scholars and pastors, released this manifesto as a tool for churches when addressing issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
President of the council, Denny Burk, said in a statement that the “aim of the Nashville Statement is to shine a light into the darkness” (referring to recent advancement in public discourse and law regarding rights and identity surrounding gender identity and sexual orientation) “to declare the goodness of God’s design in our sexuality and creating us male and female.” A reactionary document, it was created as a response to what the LGBTQ community sees as progress in our civil and basic rights. Notably, the group is alarmed by the gains made by the LGBTQ community in terms of marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.
The manifesto was quickly denounced by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, and all throughout social media. In a tweet, Mayor Barry stated that the “so-called ‘Nashville Statement’ is poorly named and does not represent the inclusive values of the city & the people of Nashville.”
Fortunately, Victory Institute will hold its Nashville Leadership Summit this October – a day-long training for LGBTQ leaders to develop the skills they need to take the next step in public service. Victory Institute is ready to lead alongside LGBTQ activists, leaders, and elected officials in Nashville and the area to ensure that the needs and rights of all LGBTQ people are being met. As we know, making a city safer for its most vulnerable population, makes the city safer for all of its residents.
