Why I Have Compassion for Defiant Court Clerk Kim Davis

Last updated on: September 7, 2015 at 7:11 am by Chuck Queen

Why I Have Compassion for Defiant Court Clerk Kim Davis 2015-09-07T07:11:31-06:00 Chuck Queen

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Kim Davis, the Rowan County clerk who has refused to issue marriage licenses, has been all over the news and internet this past week. Last Thursday U.S. District Judge David Bunning sent her to jail. The couples who originally sued in the case asked Bunning to fine her but not jail her. Bunning said that sending her to prison was his only alternative because he did not believe she would comply with his order if she were fined.

I have to admit I have looked at this woman with some disdain. I have thought, “Oh great, another example here in Kentucky (where I am from and where I minister) of Christian fundamentalism and religious hypocrisy to showcase to the world.” For the most part, when I heard her name mentioned on television or came across another news story or opinion piece about her I felt frustration welling up within me.

But something happened this past week that pierced through my defense mechanisms and touched my true self. I don’t know why, but when I read an article earlier in the week before the judgment by Bunning that talked about the real possibility of her being held in contempt of court (I knew this already, but for some reason when I read it this time) somehow the Spirit broke through. At least, that is how I understand it. Others may think differently.

Here’s what happened: I felt compassion. I experienced sympathy. I was moved with pity and sorrow.

Here’s why: It makes sense when someone faces consequences for standing up for what is just and fair and right, the way the civil rights marchers did. It is commendable when those who oppose injustice – like unjust wars or discrimination of minorities – stand up for justice and take on unjust systems of government and power. We applaud their courage. And should they be jailed or mocked or ridiculed, they shine forth as prophetic witnesses to truth, courage, and authentic faith, which is truly commendable.

Then it hit me. Here is a woman who faces consequences, and now is currently in jail, for what? For standing up for equality and justice? No. For standing with the vulnerable and marginalized? No. Why is she jailed? For what?

Yes, there is a group of conservative Christians who view her as a hero. I’m sure her own faith community so regards her and hopefully they will stand with her and support her long after every one else has left town. For they will leave. There are those on the right who are simply using her to further their agenda. And once they are through with her and her cause is lost, they will forget all about her.

What will Kim Davis be remembered for if she is remembered at all? She will be remembered for making a last ditch stand for discrimination.

For that she is to be pitied. And that is why I feel compassion for Kim Davis.

Earlier last week before the judgment by Bunning she said, “I have no animosity toward anyone and harbor no ill will. To me this has never been a gay or lesbian issue. It is about marriage and God’s word.”

I suspect there will be many progressives who will question this, but I am not one of them. I get it. She really does think she is being faithful to Christ. She cannot see the hypocrisy and discrimination in her actions.

Before the Apostle Paul was apostle of Christ to the Gentiles, he was a persecutor of Christians. He thought he was doing God’s will. According to his own account he was completely without guilt: “a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless” (Phil. 3:6). He felt no pity at all on the Christians he harassed and harmed. Why? Because he was absolutely convinced he was being true to God.

Paul couldn’t see.

Think about those who were instrumental in orchestrating Jesus’ crucifixion. According to Luke’s account Jesus on the cross said, “Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). They really didn’t know. Why?

They couldn’t see.

Kim Davis does not see.

And what is true of Kim Davis is true of all of us on some level. Not to the same degree, but on some level we all have trouble seeing. A large part of our spiritual growth and development is about taking the blinders off and learning how to see.

Chuck Queen is a Baptist minister and the author of Being a Progressive Christian (is not) for Dummies (nor for know-it-alls): An Evolution of Faith. Chuck blogs at A Fresh Perspective, and is also a contributor to the blog Faith Forward and Baptist News Global.

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