Author, Columnist, Political Pundit Sophia A. Nelson Responds to MSNBC's Prof. Michael E. Dyson Rant

May 12, 2012 - PRLog -- The following statement was released by Sophia A. Nelson through her New York publicist Yvette Hayward:

Last evening, May 11, 2012, MSNBC Contributor Prof. Michael E. Dyson served as a guest host on the EdShow. In his role as the host, Dyson launched into a diatribe against men and women of faith, who do not support the position of Same Sex Marriage. In his on Air remarks, Professor Dyson called Ms. Nelson (aka Sophia), Mr. Martin (aka Roland), and Pastor Jamal H. Bryant out by name and specifically referred to them as "bigots" cloaking themselves in "religious bigotry" and the "Bible" to justify their position against Gay Marriage.

Not only was Professor Dyson wrong to call names, but he did so without offering any proof of such statements made by Ms. Nelson that would in anyway justify calling her a "bigot".  Ms. Nelson has been clear and unequivocal in her public statements and writings, interviews that she supports her fellow Americans, who also happen to be Gay with regard to equal treatment under the law, fair pay, fair treatment in the workplace, health benefits and the right to visit their domestic partner in the hospital, share property rights, adopt children, etc. Ms. Nelson also supports Hate Crimes legislation, making it a crime to abuse, assault or bully Americans who are Gay, Lesbian, or Transgender.

Ms. Nelson has also been equally clear as a Baptized Believer of over 33 years, who was raised in a Christian family, whose younger brother is an Evangelist/Minister of the Gospel, whose Grandfather (maternal) was a Minister of the Gospel,  that she does NOT support Same Sex Marriage Rights as a matter of her religious faith. This is the same position that President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vice President Biden, former President Bill Clinton and many public officials in the Democratic Party held for years, or in some instances still hold to this day.

To suggest that someone who is holding to the principles of their religious faith (See Matthew 19:4 & Genesis 2; 1 Corinthians 6:1-12; Romans 1:18-32) is a "bigot" (an ugly word which implies discrimination and hatred for others) is wrong, reckless, and irresponsible of those who utter such attacks as well as the network that provides a platform for such attacks.  We want to be clear that Ms. Nelson is consistent in her public statements about her faith and in how she lives her life as a Christian.

In the May issue of Ebony Magazine Ms. Nelson was interviewed extensively for an article on the issue of single, saved Christians having sex outside of marriage. Ms. Nelson made clear that she as a practicing Christian is celibate although in a committed heterosexual relationship. "Fornication" is also one of the "sins" that the Bible lists along with "homosexuality" as unacceptable to God (See Galatians 5:19-21 & 1 Timothy 1:10).

In closing, Ms. Nelson is a practicing and faithful Christian. Under the Constitution Christians are allowed to practice their faith, express their opinions, and hold to their beliefs as are others.  But let us be clear, in over 3000 years of recorded human history, no civilization, or religion has ever sanctioned "same sex" marriage. Public opinion on this issue as well as statements made by African American & Mainstream Pastors/Bishops support the position of Ms. Nelson and a vast majority of Christians.  Ms. Nelson takes the position that the statement put forth by the Rev. Al Sharpton and others on Friday supporting "Same Sex" Marriage is the civil and responsible way for us to engage in this dialogue by respecting different views and opinions on this sensitive matter.

To those like Prof. Dyson who attack, lament and wail on Christians who are only practicing their faith, you should be ashamed of yourself. The very bigotry you call out others for committing is the very bigotry you yourselves practice.


Contact Yvette Hayward for Bookings (646) 338-3811, Interviews, or further comments from Ms. Nelson on this matter.