Station 13: Jesus removed from cross / same-sex marriage ban

Jesus is taken down from the cross as same-sex marriage is banned in Station 13 from “Stations of the Cross: The Struggle For LGBT Equality” by Mary Button, courtesy of Believe Out Loud

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2004: In sweeping homophobic legislative measures same-sex marriage is banned in Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Wisconsin
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Mini-commentary by Kittredge Cherry:

A map of states banning same-sex marriage forms a colorful backdrop as Jesus is taken down from the cross. Denying legal rights to lesbian and gay couples is another insult to the body of Christ. Is the body of Christ buried in states without marriage equality?

For Americans, it's powerful to see Jesus with a map of the USA.  Jesus was crucified in ancient Jerusalem, but this image brings home the message that the Christ is alive here and now.
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“Stations of the Cross: The Struggle for LGBT Equality” is a new set of 14 paintings that link the crucifixion of Jesus with the history of LGBT people.

Artist Mary Button painted the LGBT Stations series for Believe Out Loud, an online network empowering Christians to work for LGBT equality. They invite churches and faith groups to download and use the images for free.

The whole series will also be shown here at the Jesus in Love Blog this week. Click here for an overview of the LGBT Stations by Kittredge Cherry, lesbian Christian author and art historian.