Arizona Equality Home Section | When They Stopped Waiting Article | Press Kit
Spong died on September 12, 2021, at the age of 90

“I have made a decision. I will no longer debate the issue of homosexuality in the church with anyone. I will no longer engage the biblical ignorance that emanates from so many right-wing Christians about how the Bible condemns homosexuality, as if that point of view still has any credibility.” – Bishop John Shelby Spong
A recent email caught my eye regarding a very inspiring message from Bishop John Shelby Spong. It should absolutely knock your socks off and give hope to the thousands of folks seeking to explore their spirituality and relationship with God.
The article is entitled “A Manifesto! The Time Has Come!” and can be read in full at:
ProgressingSpirit.com – Walking with Integrity, October 15, 2009
References:
- Walking with Integrity (PDF)
Recommended Reading

The LGBTQ + History Book (DK Big Ideas)
Discover the rich and complex history of LGBTQ+ people around the world – their struggles, triumphs, and cultural contributions.
Exploring and explaining the most important ideas and events in LGBTQ+ history and culture, this book showcases the breadth of the LGBTQ+ experience. This diverse, global account explores the most important moments, movements, and phenomena, from the first known lesbian love poetry of Sappho to Kinsey’s modern sexuality studies, and features biographies of key figures from Anne Lister to Audre Lorde.
Dive deep into the pages of The LGBTQ + History book to discover:
- Thought-provoking graphics and flow charts demystify the central concepts behind key moments in LGBTQ+ history, from eromenos and erastes in the Ancient World to political lesbianism.
- Features insightful quotes from leading historians, philosophers, cultural commentators, economists, anthropologists, sociologists, activists, and politicians.
- Includes biography boxes and directory entries on the lives of important but lesser-known individuals, alongside well-known names including Sappho, Oscar Wilde, Anne Lister, Harvey Milk, and Marsha P. Johnson.
- Global in scope with a localizable directory.
The LGBTQ+ History Book celebrates the victories and untold triumphs of LGBTQ+ people throughout history, such as the Stonewall Riots and first gender affirmation surgeries, as well as commemorating moments of tragedy and persecution, from the Renaissance Italian “Night Police” to the 20th century “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy. The book also includes major cultural cornerstones – the secret language of polari, Black and Latine ballroom culture, and the many flags of the community – and the history of LGBTQ+ spaces, from 18th-century “molly houses” to modern “gaybourhoods”.

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