Letters to The Editor
"Regarding Pastor Myles Munroe’s press release: Homosexuality - Phobia or Principle”
By Terneille Burrows pka TaDa
Sep 3, 2014 - 1:56:07 PM

I have respected Dr. Myles Munroe in a various capacities since my youth (as a then member of Bahamas Faith Ministries International), and continue to do so in certain instances. Thus, I was rather surprised at the discourse between him and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell earlier this year.

In reference to his recent press release, I must ask if Dr. Munroe describes statutory rape and child molestation as ‘unnatural human behaviour’, as he does homosexuality? Should LGBT people that have not committed sex crimes be treated the same as - or worse than - those that have? Perhaps I am unaware of Dr. Munroe's response to other issues of national concern related to a number of “men of the cloth” over the decades that have been convicted of sexual crimes against minors in their care. It causes me to wonder about the priorities and intentions of those religious leaders in The Bahamas that consistently speak out against particular issues related to gays, gambling and the like.

Statistics consistently show that child abuse and domestic violence are rampant in this country. In a December 14, 2013 newspaper article, Minister for Social Services & Community Development Melanie Griffin said, “Child abuse statistics over the past few years show that incest is a problem that is consistently ‘swept under the carpet’. [It] being accepted into communities, these are the things that make for a dysfunctional society.” Is it not important for vocal leaders in the Christian community like Dr. Myles Munroe, Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson of “The Bahamas Christian Council”, Pastor Mario Moxey and Pastor Lyall Bethel to be the first to publicly police the actions of those leaders in their own Christian community that are convicted of sexual crimes against minors? These statements should be released in a timely fashion, acknowledging, denouncing, showing remorse for and presenting a plan to discourage such criminal behaviour from being inflicted upon the most vulnerable members or society.

Would it be too much to ask for those that claim to be leaders of the Christian church to actively lobby for legislation that protects against marital rape and the like? Will the next campaign spearheaded by the Christian community in The Bahamas be the promotion of a “Vote Yes” campaign in support of equal rights for men, women, boys and girls in The Bahamas, or is the extensive campaigning reserved exclusively for pushing a “No” vote against gaming? Transparency, accountability and responsibility is not only required of government, but religious and community leaders as well.

I am the founder of the grassroots social media group Bahamas Against Sexual Violence & Child Abuse and, in accordance with my belief in transparency, disclose that I am a member of the LGBT community. I do not “impose this 'unnatural’ human lifestyle on society”, but do advocate for human rights. No right thinking person can argue that LGBT people are humans, and as citizens of this country, entitled to rights and protections.

“I am afraid of any lifestyle, orientation, preference or behaviour that threatens that very survival of the human race.” - Dr. Myles Munroe

There is no need to be afraid, Dr. Munroe. The world is presently at a greater risk of becoming overpopulated rather than under. Those that choose to be celibate, undergo sterilisation, use contraceptives or cannot conceive naturally are also “abnormal”, but should not be blamed for the feared extinction of the human race. I also guarantee that many of your faithful congregants, international counterparts, family, friends and yes, other  high profile “men of the cloth”, whether known to you or not, have varying sexual practices or preferences they hold privately that you and “the church” would disapprove of.

As you have noted, Dr. Munroe, the homosexual lifestyle has been in existence for thousands of years and is not going anywhere. Wars, poverty, crime, abuse, discrimination, injustice, hate and fear-mongering are also not going anywhere. I encourage you, as a “Kingdom Citizen”, to seriously consider redirecting your efforts toward launching a far-reaching highly publicised campaign strategy toward the eradication of the abuse and assault of minors in The Bahamas instead of promoting your viewpoints related to the private practices of law-abiding adults.

Respectfully,

Terneille Burrows professionally known as TaDa



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