And Jesus said, "Verily, we don't need no damned carpet munchers in Heaven...."

Hundreds of Vanessa Collier’s friends and family gathered Saturday at New Hope Ministries, sitting before an open casket holding the woman they loved, when suddenly the minister overseeing her funeral stopped the service. The memorial could not continue, Pastor Ray Chavez said, as long as pictures of Collier with the love of her life, the spouse she shared two children with, were to be displayed. Chavez said there could be no images of Collier with her wife, Christina. There could be no indication that Collier was gay.

As sick as this might sound, I found myself laughing out loud while reading this story. Perhaps it was just that I couldn’t fathom how anyone who called themselves a Christian could stoop so low as to stop a funeral and forbid it to continue until all traces of gayness were removed.

So, as long as everyone pretends that there’s no gay going on or anywhere to be found, we’re all good, right?

Even in death, gays are to feared and stamped out, lest they recruit our children and turn them gay. Or something like that.

The idea that someone might be capable of and wired for loving in a manner different from the “norm” isn’t sinful. Whether or not Pastor Chavez approved of Collier’s lifestyle, sexuality, and choice of life partners, she was still one of God’s children, and worthy of being treated with respect and dignity. Jesus never preached against homosexuality. The alleged Christian proscription of same-sex love is the product of the fear, hatred, and prejudice of “Christians” who believe themselves morally superior. Because they’ve anointed themselves Divinely, they’ve claimed the right to discriminate against anyone who doesn’t meet their standards of moral “propriety.”

Vanessa Collier deserved better, and her family and loved ones deserved to be able to mourn her passing with dignity and decency. Unfortunately, dignity and decency are qualities Pastor Chavez suffers from a severe deficit of.

“A church turning away a funeral. Who has ever heard of anything like that happening?” said Jeanette Arguello, a friend.

About four dozen supporters gathered outside of the church on Tuesday afternoon in protest, chanting “Give us an apology!” and “Shame on Pastor Ray!” Security guards were stationed in front of the building to ensure none of the marchers made their way onto the property.

New Hope Ministries: Keeping Teh Gayz away from the love of Jesus Christ since…well, since we knew what “gay” really meant.

Stay classy, Pastor Chavez!!