wfn.org | Leonard Challenges Presbyterian Men to Redefine Male Identity

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

19-June-1997 
GA97105 
 
    Leonard Challenges Presbyterian Men To Redefine Male Identity 
 
                       by Lee Beckhusen 
 
SYRACUSE--Dr. Joe Leonard, American Baptist minister and staff to the 
National Council of Churches' Committee on Family Ministry and Human 
Sexuality, delivered a powerful and direct  message to the men gathered on 
Thursday afternoon for the Presbyterian Men's luncheon. 
 
    Leonard, the author of "Tough Talk," a book which teaches men how to 
confront other men who are behaving abusively in their homes, wasted no 
time in making the point that the "be a man" socialization which men 
receive in this society, does little more than lead men into confining 
patterns of competition, control and struggle for status. This 
socialization and patterns of white male privilege in this country, rest 
heavily on sexist, racist and homophobic assumptions which, according to 
Leonard, must be reexamined and renegotiated. 
 
    In establishing a societal playing field that is even for all players, 
Leonard asserted that men will have to learn to respect the experience of 
women, accept the leadership of people of color, and eliminate the 
discrimination against gay men and lesbian women. 
 
    Leonard was also clear in expressing his disagreement with the Promise 
Keepers movement, which he described as representing "the bankruptcy of 
male identity." While expressing respect for the revival movement in 
American history, Leonard indicated that he could recall no aspect of that 
historical movement that focused solely on men and further criticized the 
program for its negative stand against women clergy. 
 
    Leonard challenged the men present to become engaged in issues relating 
to economics, believing that as men experience greater insecurity about 
their jobs they must be reminded that there are other values to be 
considered in life beyond the bottom financial line.  Leonard also 
indicated that the dominance of white privilege must be dealt with as 
justice requires.   As the leaders of this country have apologized to 
Japanese Americans imprisoned during World War II, so must American leaders 
apologize to African Americans for the injustices to which they have been 
subjected in this country. 
 
    Leonard closed by reminding the group that it is only while resting in 
the love of Christ that we can be empowered to love one another. 

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