From the national cable airwaves to popular podcasts, public figures who discuss issues of sexual preference and same-sex rights too frankly for some tastes find that they come under attack from ecclesiastical leaders. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper responds to charges that he “boasts” about his homosexuality on air, while a Mormon podcaster who talks about hot topics in the church faces expulsion from the faith.

Mormon Blogger Supporting Same-Sex Marriage Faces Excommunication

On Mormon Stories, a podcast and blog post in which he entertains questions about Mormon faith and doctrine, Jason Dehlin covers topics such as ordaining Mormon women and acknowledging same-sex marriage rights. He also hosts discussions regarding the controversial history of the church and the extensive financial holdings of the Corporation of the Presidency, the legal name of the church as it does business. His blunt discussions have garnered attention, extending beyond his faithful audience and reaching up to his church leaders who notified him that they are convening a hearing to consider whether to censure him or excommunicate him from the faith.

same-sex rights

Honest Questioning

Dehlin’s website and podcast explores topics relating to the Mormon faith, including a thorough exploration of what is publicly known about the shadowy finances of the multi-billion dollar corporation that is the business arm of the church. An organization that collects a regular monthly tithe of 10 percent from the faithful worldwide membership of some 11 million, the Mormon Church is fast becoming a powerful player in politics and culture.

In 2014, Dehlin and Kate Kelly, a leader of a group that advocates for ordaining women to the Mormon priesthood, received separate letters informing them of pending excommunication proceedings against them. Church leadership followed through on threats against Kelly, who was excommunicated in August. Meanwhile, Dehlin has been wondering when the next phase of his drama would begin. He wrote in December, that “the delay [in prosecuting his excommunication matter] is due to their desire to protect themselves, . . . and to minimize any collateral damage to the church, and not for any other reason.”

Now that he has received notice alerting him that a church court proceeding to consider his faithfulness is scheduled to begin soon, Dehlin notes, “I would prefer for them to leave me alone, but if given the choice between denying my conscience and facing excommunication, I would much rather be excommunicated.” He will soon face that opportunity directly.

Anderson Cooper’s Very Sharp Tongue

Responding to a Christian evangelist’s attacks on LGBT individuals in public that ran in a Christian Post op-ed called “Are You Aware of the Avalanche of Gay Programming Assaulting Your Home,” CNN anchor Anderson Cooper spoke straight to clear the air. He notes that “gay people are more visible today. I’m not sure turning back the clock or the TV dial is the solution.”

Unsure what a “gay lifestyle” is, Cooper listed some of the things that got gays in trouble in the “good old days” when sexual preference was expected to remain hidden, such as:

-Arrested for going to a “gay” bar

-Terrorized, beaten, or killed for openly displaying sexual preference

-Fired from a job

-Discriminated against in housing markets

Anderson noted that most of those possibilities are still starkly present for gay people, even in the second decade of 21st century America. His remarks followed a similar response from television host Ellen DeGeneres, who noted, “The only way I’m trying to influence people is to be more kind and compassionate with one another.”

In truth, most gays really only want a modicum of respect, dignity, and acceptance in society. The “gay programming” at which the angry minister spews his venom is no more than human beings frankly addressing matters which have been closeted behind doors of hate, intolerance, prejudice, and violence in society until recently.