In the face of such a brazen display of bigotry and violence, it is nearly impossible for members of the LGBTQ community to resist succumbing to the fear that they too may become the target of another person’s hate. Indeed, for many in the LGBTQ community, watching the video of Brandon White’s attack triggered memories of their own past encounters with hate-filled violence. Thus, members of the community are left wrestling once more with real feelings of victimization, fear, sadness, and anger that extend well beyond the circumstances of this single act.

It is the fear of further victimization that drives an impulse to respond to the perpetrators with hatred and disdain. For example, during the emergency Black LGBTQ Community Action Meeting, the young men who attacked Brandon were constantly called, “thugs,” “gang-bangers” and “mother-f****ers.” An “us” verses “them” motif was quickly established, and very few efforts were made to recognize the humanity within the other young men. As questions were asked about Brandon’s state of mind, people were hesitant to ask about the psychological well-being of his attackers.

While the impulse to respond to hatred with more hatred is natural, it is imperative that the LGBTQ community seeks to transform all acts of hatred into opportunities for hope. If more energy is to be directed towards establishing a Hate Crimes Law in Georgia, that effort must be coupled with an educational component. If more money is to be directed towards teaching young lesbians and gays self-defense, that funding must be accompanied by teachings in the principles of non-violence.

As we in the LGBTQ community grapple to respond to this brutal act of violence, Audre Lorde reminds us that, “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.” Using language that dehumanizes the persons involved with the attack only further strengthens the systems of oppression that we must strive to dismantle. Therefore, let us queer this situation and respond by choosing reconciliation over retaliation and restorative justice over merciless revenge.

The Reverend Absalom Jones

On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center celebrates the Feast of Absalom Jones. Because Absalom Jones is the Patron Saint of this Ministry, let us to a brief moment to provide some addition information about him:

Ordained a deacon in 1795 and a priest in 1802, the Reverend Absalom Jones became the first African- American clergy person in the Episcopal Church. The Church recognizes Jones’ life as one that presents an image of profound healing for a community of believers. We celebrate his life and legacy because of his willingness to demand freedom for his people, and for his courage to answer God’s call to ministry in the midst of a hostile and racist era.

Please join us for worship and a special meal on the Feast of Absalom Jones!

Students worship together in celebration of the Feast of Absalom Jones

The Absalom Jones  Episcopal Chapel

is seeking a praise and worship leader

for

Wednesday Evening’s in the Spring Semester

A Stipend is available!

Interviews:  Will be held at the Chapel through February 14, 2012

Info:     The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center seeks a person who is prayerful and has a heart for innovative forms of ministry. We pray for a worship leader who is respectful of liturgical traditions while simultaneously able to lead a praise-full groove. For more information about a “praise-full” groove, please visit The Crossing‘s website and download their ‘music @ crossing’ booklet. We are seeking to create an environment at AJEC that is inspired by worship at The Crossing.

The ability to play an instrument is not required, but being a solid vocalist is a must!

If you are interested, please schedule an interview by phone or email:
404.521.1602 or chaplain@absalomjonesauc.org

The Minute-to-Win-It Ramadan Party

Connect Four: AJEC, AIF (American Islamic Fellowship), the AUC MSA (AUC Muslim Student Association), and Morehouse Chapel Assistants all connect over food and games

This year marked the second annual Ramadan If-tar for the Center, and this time “play” was the theme. Sprung from the belief that Interfaith dialogue is most effective when people are allowed first to laugh with and at each other, the Atlanta University Center Muslim Student Association teamed up with AJEC for a night of food and fun. After hours of laughter, play, and some very important theological conversations (such conversations seem to naturally emerge at the Center), it was clear that new friendships had begun and trust was being established.

Other highlights include: The Annual Pride Parade and The Troy Davis Solidarity March and Rally

(to read more about these events click here…)

For the closing Eucharist of 2011, a few folks from AJEC take the time to prayfully walk the labyrinth.

As the semester comes to a close, the Chapel is transformed into a space for journeying and meditation. Gone are the chairs and instruments, and instead one finds a large canvas mat with a labyrinth on it. The lights are dim and there is soft music playing intermittently. The candles in the center of the labyrinth welcome the sojourner with a warm, flickering beckon. The students and chaplain share the space, yet it is clear that each person’s path differs. For some the journey through the labyrinth is fast and repeated. For others the journey is slow, unevenly paced, and quiet.

Walking the labyrinth was a perfect end to a busy and sometimes fraught semester.

Thanks be to God.

To find out more about labyrinths click here.

Immediately after taking the picture, a student pointed to a man laying on the ground behind our sign. The two of us together approached the man. Roman (Morehouse College, ’13) gently tapped his shoulder and said, “Hello sir.” The man did not respond. Roman tried again. Again, there was no response. Worried that he was dead, I cautiously touched his forehead to see if he was still warm. He was warm. So, I gently shook his shoulder, and said, “Hey, brother. Wake up! Come on inside the church. I’ll get you something to drink and to eat.” Stirred from his semi-conscious state, he immediately opened his eyes and sat up. Perhaps it was the offering of food, or the promise of a safe place to sit?

I learned his name. Tyson. He said, “No one cares about me.” I offered him food. He rejected it. I invited him inside of the chapel. He declined the invitation. Tyson stumbled away with me saying to his back, “Tyson, I care about you. I care.”

As I walked back into the Center with those brilliant red trees behind me, I realized that those red trees bear witness to the brokenness and the despair of the people who live beyond the walls of this Center and Chapel.

Students who worship at the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center are not necessarily Episcopalian. In fact, many of them get their first introductions to a liturgical tradition via the Center. Because of their unfamiliarity with the tradition, some rather odd things can happen during the liturgy. Most of the oddities are non-consequential, but one student’s interpretation of the Compline confession has made a lasting impression:

At the last Compline of the fall semester, I invite a student to lead the liturgy. Although he regularly attends this service, this is only his second time leading. So, rather timidly, Peter begins the service. With the first few lines handled well, Peter confidently reads, “Let us confess our sins to God.” I make eye contact with him hoping to remind him to provide time for silent confessions before continuing with the corporate confession. Peter pauses for a beat, and then he proceeds by stating his confession aloud.

[click here to read the rest...]

AJEC will sponsor it’s very first “Fine Arts Friday” on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 7:00 PM.  Fine Arts Fridays will be held every first Friday of the month. This is an opportunity for people in the AUC community to share with one another their gifts and talents in the arts. Spoken word, poetry, musical offerings, visual arts, dance — all are invited to participate.

This monthly event is open to the public and free of charge.

Three Absalom Jones students, Ade, Johnathan, and De’Von, gather in the computer lab after Compline. They are admiring the newly launched site.