An Advocate Call for the Constitutional Revision, Reform and Transformation in the YPD
Mookapelo Moabi, 19th Episcopal District
It is no secret that in the 19th Episcopal District Young Peoples Division (YPD), members belong to the LGBTQI+ Community, hereafter referred to as the Gay Community as an umbrella term. With great precision, those whom I have interacted with are lesbians and have opted to wear black blazers and black pants the same way their fellow brothers do.
In this article, I venture to exhortatively propose the church consider its clear positioning when it comes to the Gay Community in terms of the uniform regulations as enshrined in the Constitution and Bylaws of the YPD. Secondly, I intend to argue succinctly and call for the revision of the contents of the YPD regulations on Colours and Uniforms – that it be written clearly to accommodate those who identify differently from their fellow heterosexual brethren.
The current provision regarding YPD Colours and Uniforms for young men (black pants and blazer, white shirt with a “V” shaped leopard print skin design material, black tie, and YPD Badge/Pin) should clearly and similarly, without any prejudice, be all the more attributable to the young ladies who ideally identify as members of the Gay Community – specifically, those who are lesbians and thus elect or desire to wear black pants and blazer the same way the brothers do, instead of wearing the black skirt, white blouse, and black “V” shaped collar if they do not elect to, or think it preferable.
I am more compelled to refer to the proposed bill by Ravi Perry on page 207-209 of the 2024 General Conference Proposed Legislation Document, which calls for eliminating same-sex marriage language. While the contention in this regard is more partial to the language pertaining to same-sex marriage, the mention of the members of the Young People and Children’s Division who are members of the Gay Community becomes ineluctable and certain. Perry further makes a reasoned point:
“The church’s relative silence on whether or not to openly and fully embrace members of the LGBTQI+ Community is not just and is not loving. Such silence only contributes to the millions of examples of mental health challenges, tragedies, and deaths associated with Black children and adults…”
Thus, the YPD Constitution and Bylaws require prompt revision followed by radical transformation that is quick of the mark with an abiding alternative and option that allows the ladies to wear black pants, black blazers, black ties, white shirts, and a YPD Badge/Pin.
I can safely assume that we have not borne witness to the discrimination of the Gay Community in the 19thEpiscopal District YPD; however, there is always an impression of complicity when the church does not clearly articulate its position on matters concerning the Gay Community. The call for the revision of the Constitution and Bylaws, substantiated by the call for a radical transformation in the organization and the entire church, will assist in discerning the hospitality imperative of the AME Church, WMS, and YPD.
“God loves the LGBTQI+ community; therefore, we should also love them. This does not mean we have to change our values. Before you cast judgment, pray and ask God to lead you, guide you, and teach you to love one another. Each of us must stand before God for ourselves. Love, do not condemn. Set aside tradition.”
I’m unclear on why there needs to be a new uniform. How can the YPD gay community advocate for inclusion when trying to separate themselves through clothing? I do agree that the connection needs to take a clear stance on what inclusion of the gay community should look like within the established structure. Modifying and reform based on Scripture not abolishment deviation from Scripture.
Our AME should not approve of gay members or change any Law to accommodate those who choose to be in sexually active relationships, but we should continue to offer friendship and understanding of them. All human beings are made in the image of God so we must see them that way. This impacts our attitude, our tone, and our goals for the gay community. We want them to know God, to walk in truth, and to use their lives to bring glory to God. Therefore, we see them as any sinner is: a lost soul in need of a Savior. Let us love one another as Jesus taught us to love.