Statement on HB 1523 – April 5, 2016

Statement by the Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage,
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi,
While Traveling on a Mission in Africa

HB 1523 Press Release 040516
April 05, 2016
By The Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage

Governor Phil Bryant’s approval of House Bill 1523 is deeply disappointing. An anxious majority of both the State House and Senate, with the Governor’s support, have effectively created an additional class of citizens in Mississippi.

I applaud the people of Mississippi who came together to object to this needless piece of legislation. I applaud and thank the representatives of the business community who made their opposition known and will continue to serve all God’s people. I thank all those in government who chose to step up and courageously serve and represent all the people of Mississippi.

Ungrounded fear is never a solid foundation for legislation.  That seems to be the case here. Our beloved state has struggled to move beyond its troubling past but, unfortunately, this legislation has placed Mississippi back in the crosshairs of critical public opinion.
A voice of reason on the floor of the State Senate noted last week that the provisions of this law do not allow any type of action – in the choices of businesses or other institutions – which is not already permissible under the law. That may be true, but the tragic component of this law is that the Legislature and Governor have codified discrimination.

The State of Mississippi will likely find itself in federal courts once again, spending large sums of funds which could have been spent on building the future. Those efforts to defend a culture of fear will likely be futile.

The gracious arms of our Lord are open to all who seek him. As the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement, we continue to open our arms to our brothers and sisters who are adversely affected by this bill. Likewise, our arms are open to those who supported this legislation. New life may be found when we cast out our fear and ground our actions in the love of Christ.

Statement on HB 1523 – March 31, 2016

Statement by the Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage,
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi

HB 1523 Press Release – In Light of Senate Passage
March 31, 2016
By The Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage

I am profoundly disheartened by the Mississippi State Senate’s approval of HB 1523, which codifies discrimination against many Mississippi citizens.

I would respectfully encourage Governor Bryant to veto the bill, if it reaches his desk.

Our baptismal covenant requires that each of us will respect the dignity of every human being. It does not provide an exception to that respect.

The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi stands as one with our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community and the Human Rights Campaign. We respect their painful journey as they have sought full inclusion in our society. Many of them share a Christian faith that is deep and profound. We should embrace their quest for equality and justice rather than placing obstacles in their pathway.

I am aware that some Christian bodies say this legislation is needed. I disagree. It addresses a conflict which does not exist. The Episcopal Church embraces all persons who seek to follow our Lord, and we honor all persons who yearn for equality in this society. Our doors remain open to all God’s children.

Statement on HB 1523 – March 24, 2016

Statement by the Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage,
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi
HB 1523 Press Release
March 24, 2016
By the Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage

The Mississippi State Senate has on its calendar an unwise, unnecessary and imprudent bill. I would urge that it be allowed to die at the coming deadline for legislative action.

House Bill 1523 would codify discrimination, rather than prevent discrimination as claimed in its title.

One of the hallmarks of our system of laws is a wise principle of separating religious beliefs and practices from the statutes which are enacted into law.  This “Trojan horse” would provide protection under sectarian religious pretense for those who would choose to discriminate against citizens who have the same rights as any of us. The bill would clearly violate the “equal protection” clause of the 14th Amendment to our nation’s Constitution and would likely lead to our state spending its limited funds for an unsuccessful defense in federal courts.

I am aware that the world is changing and familiar norms are fading, partially because of the Supreme Court and partially because of evolving awareness and understanding. I know that such change is painful for many, but we must be mindful of the pain of those who have suffered under old structures. Our baptismal covenant asks us to “strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.”  This is often a challenge, but God calls us to do no less.

I pray that our time and energy will be invested in building a just society that recognizes the gifts of all its people, molding an educational system that is second-to-none, providing healthcare to the needy, and developing an economy that encourages and rewards all our people. During this Holy Week my prayers continue for our elected leaders. I give thanks for their commitment and passion. May the miracle of Easter bring blessings and hope to all.