GLOBAL PRAYER NETWORK: Caitlyn Jenner prays with Pastor Ed Young in Houston

Senin, 21 Desember 2015

Caitlyn Jenner prays with Pastor Ed Young in Houston

By Mark Ellis, Special to ASSIST News Service

HOUSTON, TX (ANS - December 21, 2015) -- Caitlyn Jenner, the transgender activist once known as Olympic medalist Bruce Jenner, prayed with Pastor Ed Young Sr. following a Christmas pageant at Houston’s Second Baptist Church.

The pastor’s son, Ed Young Jr., posted their photos and tweeted about it. He is also a pastor, at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas,

Jenner attended the church for a segment of her reality series television program, “I Am Cait,” according to a story in The Christian Post.

Young Sr. was known for his opposition to the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, or HERO. In May, 2014, the Houston City Council voted to enact the ordinance that bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, family, marital, and military status.

The ordinance — repealed in November — was considered controversial because it allowed individuals to use public bathrooms of the gender with whom they most identify, which means that men could potentially use women bathrooms.

The ordinance has been the object of fierce political battles and litigation. The ultimate legal status is under consideration by the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, with further litigation still possible.

“Dad has always taught me to love everyone. Here he is praying with @Caitlyn_Jenner at tonight’s service,” Pastor Young Jr. tweeted December 17th, followed by another tweet the following day, “Dad and @Caitlyn_Jenner had a great conversation and prayer after last night’s service! #grace”

Jenner also attended a family Christmas service at Grace Church Houston, whose founding pastor, Steve Riggle, was also against the ordinance, originally sponsored by lesbian Houston Mayor Annise Parker.

Photo captions: 1) Pastor Ed Young talks with Jenner. 2) Mark Ellis.

About the writer: Mark Ellis is senior correspondent for the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net) and also founder of www.Godreports.com, a website that shares stories, testimonies and videos from the church around the world. He is also the co-host for "Windows on the World" with ANS founder, Dan Wooding, on the Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network (http://hsbn.tv).