Posts by Believe Out Loud
Searching God’s Guidance: How Will We Cope With Diversity?
In 2010, the U.S. Census showed that the non-Hispanic white population is growing at the slowest rate; it added that the Hispanic and Asian populations have grown considerably. In addition, we have seen remarkable shifts in public opinion to accept LGBT people over the past decade. What do these changes mean for America and our…
Read MoreFinding Myself Through Therapy
When I think about being a therapist and my past feelings about therapy, a big smile appears on my face. I smile because I still cannot believe how misdirected my personal feelings about therapy once were. I used to think that therapy was only for “messed up” people—you know, those who could not deal with…
Read MoreThe Resurrection Of Christ: Mary Magdalene Meets Supreme Court Plaintiffs
Click here to see the full image For Lent this year I created a special Stations of the Cross series for Believe Out Loud chronicling the history of the LGBT movement. By incorporating images depicting the struggle for LGBT equality through the 20th and 21st century, these stations serve as a devotion for LGBT Christians…
Read MoreThe Collegiate Churches Of New York Bring Church To Pride
“Love Period” was the simple message that The Collegiate Churches of New York and Believe Out Loud proudly displayed at this year’s New York City Pride March. All four Collegiate Churches, including Fort Washington Church, Middle Church, Marble Church and West End Church, along with Intersections International and the Believe Out Loud team, joined forces…
Read MoreLuther Place Memorial Church Practices Rainbow Hospitality
Over decades of ministry at Luther Place Memorial Church, our congregation has talked about and then lived out a specific type of welcome called “biblical hospitality.” In her book Just Hospitality, Letty Russell, one of the wise theologians of the church, defines biblical hospitality as “the practice of God’s welcome by reaching across difference to…
Read MoreI Have Not Always Stood On The Right Side Of History
I was looking at shirts today to wear to NYC’s Pride Parade, and I ran across this one, that says “I stand on the right side of history.” But I have a confession to make. I’m not sure I am allowed to wear this shirt. I have not always stood on the right side of…
Read MoreHappy Pride!
Click here to subscribe to receive all our email updates! From the Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn DOMA’s Section 3 to the closure of Exodus International, our community has a lot to celebrate this year at Pride! Believe Out Loud will once again join the Collegiate Churches of New York as we march together in…
Read MoreA Prayer In Response To The Supreme Court’s Rulings On Marriage Equality
Everlasting, ever-loving God, today, millions of your children wait in the paradox of anxiousness and earnestness for nine human beings to make a decision about the legality of same-gender marriage. But in our fervent prayers, O God, we know that decision is really about equality and about the preciousness of all of Your children in…
Read MoreMovement for Justice: Our Testimonies Can Change The Story
Thank you, God! What a joyful day. I am so excited about the historic Supreme Court rulings for marriage equality. When I began advocating publicly for gay rights, my parents wanted to talk to me about “What the Bible says…” They are Christians, and their faith and the Bible sustain them. Even so, they stand…
Read MorePride Is Faith
“Pride is faith in the idea that God had when God made us.” –Isak Dinesen, nee Karen Blixen I often quote this insight from Blixen’s memoir, Out of Africa, during LGBT Pride Month. This morning on Atlanta’s public radio station, an interview reminded me of the religious objections to Atlanta’s Pride Parade, formerly in June, the…
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