Click here to see the participating entries.

Homosexuality and Christianity. Put them together, and you’ve got one of the most polarizing, contentious debates of our generation. Some people say the Christians are bullies. Others say the gay community has mistaken truth for hatred. And in the midst of all the shouting and politics, real people’s lives are being torn apart.

So on November 13, I’m asking bloggers on all sides of the issue to join me in a call for sanity.

Here’s all you have to do. On Tuesday, November 13, post something to your blog calling for a saner, more reasonable dialogue on the issue, whatever you think that should look like. Agree with me; disagree with me; sit on the fence. Just express your opinion, and I’ll post links to all the participating blogs, whether or not I agree with you.

Are you a Christian who feels that your position has been unfairly characterized as homophobic? Tell us why. Are you a straight ally whose view changed when your best friend came out? Describe the experience. This is your chance to tell the world what you think and prove that it can be done reasonably and compassionately. And hey, if you’re conflicted, write about that!

You can write a single sentence, or you can write a long essay. It’s totally up to you. Just post it by or on November 13, and make sure to include a link back to the synchroblog main page.

If you’re planning to participate, send me an email at sanity.synchroblog@gmail.com with a link to your blog. (That email address will only be active through November 13, after which it will be deactivated.)

Again, let me be clear: the goal is to have REAL dialogue with people from ALL sides, so even if you disagree with everything I stand for, I still want to hear from you, and I’ll still link to your submission.

Ready to see the participating entries? Click here!

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FAQ

Below are a few questions I’m anticipating; I’ll update this list as I get more questions.

Q: What is a synchroblog?

A: A synchroblog is when a bunch of bloggers agree to all tackle the same topic at the same time. It’s great because it brings awareness to the issue and generates some awesome discussion. It also helps bring new traffic to the participating bloggers!

Q: The title says “gays and Christians.” What about related topics, like bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer issues?

A: Absolutely! Please feel free to discuss anything relating to sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. (Hint: We’re talking about how the public conversation needs to change, right? So maybe one of the ways you think it needs to change is to stop ignoring the experiences of certain groups….)

Q: I want to participate, but I have no idea what to write about. Any help?

A: Sure! Here are a few topics you might consider:

1. Do you think “people like you” (conservative Christians, LGBTs, ex-gays, straight Christians, celibate folks, evangelicals, liberals, whoever you might be) are misunderstood on this issue? How so?

2. Why do you care about this discussion? (Was it a personal experience? A conversation at church? Did someone you know come out? Did an online conversation spark your interest?) Just tell us why and how you feel about it.

3. Do you think a Christian can disapprove of gay relationships but still love gay people? Why or why not?

Q: How do I participate?

A: Just send a link to your blog to sanity.synchroblog@gmail.com by November 13. Then on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 13 (or the night before), post your blog entry and be sure to link to the synchroblog page so people can check out the other entries as well.

Q: I don’t have a blog, but I still want to participate. What can I do?

A: You can still participate! Just post your thoughts on your Facebook page, send out a tweet, or any other way you share messages with the world. Don’t forget to link people back to this page.

Q: It’s already Nov. 13, and I only just found out about this! Is it too late to participate?

A: It’s not too late! Send me your blog post anytime during the day and I’ll do my best to add it to the list.

Other questions? Email sanity.synchroblog@gmail.com. Thanks for being a part of this!