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The Rev. Greg Hand led the procession of the faithful past the early-morning machinations of the French Quarter, the palm and tarot card readers, the Voodoo shops and the bars, to the Mississippi River.
It was 8 a.m. on September 5th of the 39th annual Southern Decadence celebration, a boisterous days-long street party billed as the largest gathering of gays in New Orleans. (See related article.)
Much of St. Peter Street was silent as Hand and members and friends of his Vieux Carre Baptist Church, 711 Dauphine St., marched to the river, the symbolic gates of the city, carrying a cross and praying silently for the salvation of New Orleans.
The procession was marked by reverence for God's power and silent prayer, peppered with friendly good mornings to passers-by.
What enters through the gates of a city has far-reaching influence, Hand said, pointing out that city leaders no doubt welcome Southern Decadence because of its financial impact. The group's organizers say close to 100,000 attended the street party last year.
Under the morning sun, Hand countered what he called Southern Decadence's invitation to darkness by welcoming Jesus at the city gates, reading Holy scripture and leading the group in the Lord's Supper.
The battle is a spiritual one between God and demonic spirits, Hand has emphasized.
"That battle is not at all with anyone we would see," Hand said earlier. "Those spirits that are controlling, they don't have any authority, so we're speaking to them."
Through his ministry at Vieux Carre, Hand has sought to be a friend to homosexuals as a witness to God's mercy and grace.
"There is a spirit that is aggressive that works to alienate us. By making homosexuality ... the monster, we miss the opportunity to develop what can be meaningful relationships," Hand said. "But we can't sell out the word for the relationship."
After the short march back to the church, the group held separate prayer breakfasts for men and women, followed by a praise and worship service. Hand and his members will continue to pray for the city through Labor Day, when his observance will end with a church barbecue and fellowship.
Comments
Wow, you're such a bigot. I enjoy reading these intolerant and stupid articles because it shows me that people with immature medieval mentalities still exist. How can you possibly quote someone calling homosexuality a monster? Are you that much of a bigot? You're pathetic.
God bless you for this article, Sis. Diana. It was a wonderful time in the Lord.
Chris: Instead of misquoting the article, please re-read that paragraph.
what a load of horse doodie
Love how Pastor Hand put this, "You can't sell out the WORD for the relationship." --- I take this to mean "love the homosexual-NOT homosexuality" --- We must see God's Word as ABSOLUTE and HIS WAYS as perfect.... Therefore we cannot change His Word... He tells us in 1 Corinthians 6: 9-12 that "...the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived;neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor [a]effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God."
Jesus, gave us a great example to follow.. When the lady caught in adultery was brought to Him, He was compassionate, yet not waivering from the truth... He said "I do not condemn you, now GO AND SIN NO MORE." (John 8:11)
A godly sorrow leads to repentance! We must respect His Word and follow His truth! He only wants the VERY BEST for each of us... And who knows more about what is best for creation than the CREATOR?
The Rev. Greg Hand has the manners of a boy cow's Dingle Dangle
Maybe when the Republican party and the Christians in it who claim to be so pious stop having affairs and committing adultry, not to mention lying and cheating, then maybe people will stop seeing religion as a sham.
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