“Religious Freedom” Laws Mask Human Rights Abuses

By Carmien Owen

To all those that have experienced being marginalized, discriminated or harmed in any way by laws claiming to promote “Religious Freedom*,” please know that I am moved to profound sadness.

I know with every part of my being that the world I am witness to is one that I have co-created at some level of my being-ness through my false belief in separation. All is God. We are One.

Please know that the part of me that is my spiritual mind calls me to engage in the practice of forgiveness. That includes forgiveness for all those seeking, or supporting, the harm of the LGBT community with unconstitutional laws. These laws tout the label of “Religious Freedom,” but that label is actually a wolf in sheep’s clothing that condones human rights abuses.

I know that all are equal in the eyes of God.  All of us are on the same spiritual ladder. I recognize that some are higher on the ladder. I also sense that some have fallen asleep in their descent into the ego mind, and speak loudly through their pain body.

I forgive all concerned for any moment where they have forgotten they are God and are living through their pain body and ego mind. They truly know not what they do to themselves by operating in this way. And that moves me to compassion for all aggressors who embrace hatred, for all is God.

I am deeply saddened that human beings, who make a wholesome choice to live in integrity with their sexual preferences, are discriminated against in this reprehensible way. I am moved by, and wholeheartedly support, the position that this is a human rights issue. I feel deep compassion and loving-kindness for those on the receiving end of these, and all, human right atrocities. I hold a knowing that through this adversity that there can be a revelation of a deeper sense of Love. I celebrate that this situation is calling me to advocate for Love in the world!

And finally, I continue to do my forgiveness work for myself. For we are one. There is something within me that co-created this experience I am witness to. I turn inward and listen to God’s voice speaking to me. This Voice has no condemnation or judgment. It is a Voice of Peace and Love. I ask that I might be guided in this life of service so as to stand in Love and Truth for a world that works through and as everyone.

• Editor’s note: Dr. Jim Lockard also considers this issue (on his excellent New Thought Evolutionary blog) and the debate over whether Centers for Spiritual Living (Religious Science) should go through with their plans to hold their convention in Nashville, Tenn. where a so-called “Religious Freedom” law was passed by the Tennessee legislature and awaits a decision by the governor.

Rev. Carmien Owen’s passion is the pursuit of spirituality and he does that through learning, cultivating consciousness, composing piano music, writing, and as the Spiritual Director of the Center for Spiritual Living Saskatoon in Canada. He calls himself a “Love Revolutionary,” and embraces a #ConsciousActivism that advocates for Love. His first book, “Know the Flow: 180 Blogs to Spiritual Awakening” offers practical insights on bringing spirituality into everyday life. He developed the ATONE Forgiveness process and is sharing this powerful tool and practice for spiritual living with the world.