For the last 18 years or so, during Advent, whenever I see a Salvation Army red kettle, I put in a dollar, take off my gloves, and shake the hand of the volunteer, thanking them for their work. I don't keep track of how many dollar bills I donate or if I make a repeat visit - that way one hand doesn't know what the other is doing, in Jesus-speak.
Recently I saw a post on Facebook warning folks not to contribute to the Salvation Army because of its efforts against LGBT rights. Which means I will have to change my annual Advent devotion. Which makes me sad indeed. I wish there was a way to not punish the homeless that they serve yet still make clear that discrimination is not only wrong but evil. As Blogger John Aravosis points out, would you give money to Pat Robertson?
I wonder...does the Salvation Army ask the homeless about their sexual orientation or gender identity before welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick? For when we do these things, Jesus said that we were serving him. Did it ever occur to these soldiers for God that the Christ could inhabit a gay person as much as a straight one? The only things Don't Ask, Don't Tell serves are bad theology and a wacked exegesis.
Perhaps Jesus is calling me to engage the red kettle and bell in a different way this Advent: print some vouchers (see links above) and begin a conversation.
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