Posts by Believe Out Loud
Lay Catholics In Ireland Bring About Marriage Equality
Today, headlines around the world announced Catholic news from two different parts of the globe. While seemingly disparate, these headlines share an important theme. In Ireland, one of the most Catholic nations on earth, hundreds of thousands voted overwhelmingly in a general referendum to enact marriage equality for lesbian and gay couples. In El Salvador,…
Read MoreRev. Dr. Gerald Trigg: A Lifetime Of Biblical Obedience
Rev. Dr. Gerald Trigg was a minister who not only understood, but lived Biblical Obedience through his support of civil rights and later LGBTQ advocacy. He died at 81 years old this week but he left a life-long ministry of social justice work that speaks well of this United Methodist leader. In 1963, Rev. Trigg…
Read MoreGive OUT Day: LGBTQ People Are Precious, Miraculous & Celebrated
I am Julie Wood, the mother of a gay son, an LGBTQ ally, and a proud member of Believe Out Loud. The essence of my son was gentle, kind, supportive, funny, and wise. He was taught that to love God is to love all people. We told him that he was a beautiful creation of…
Read MoreNun & Priest Join With Other Irish Catholics Set To Vote “Yes” for Marriage Equality
In just a few days, Irish voters will decide on approving marriage equality in one of the world’s most historically Catholic nations. If approved, this will be the first popular vote to legalize same-gender marriages in the world. But what is also remarkable about Ireland’s story, regardless of the outcome, is how many Catholics are publicly…
Read More10 Reasons To Support The Work Of Believe Out Loud
We are less than one week away from Give Out Day—the national day of giving for the LGBTQ community! We’ve set a goal of $5,000 to support Believe Out Loud as we work to ensure that LGBTQ people can walk into any church, anywhere, and know they will be accepted and affirmed as beloved children…
Read MoreRally At Supreme Court Represents Larger Debates On Marriage Equality
Two years ago, the day after our engagement, Thos and I stood at this very place in front of the Supreme Court. We took an active part in a rally on front of the steps of the United States Supreme Court on the day oral arguments were heard for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)…
Read MoreInternational Catholic Leaders Call On Pope To Revamp Parish Structure & Management
Representatives from 22 international Catholic groups working for a more just and compassionate church have written an open letter to Pope Francis asking him to focus his attention on the task of revitalizing local parishes as a way to allow for joint decision-making and greater accountability of church leadership. The letter, signed by lay leaders,…
Read MoreSupreme Court Marriage Ruling: No Silver Bullet For LGBT Equality
As we await rulings from the Supreme Court on four marriage equality cases, it is no coincidence that so-called “religious freedom restoration” acts are popping up across the country to sanction discrimination by businesses, employers and public officials. Echoes of the civil rights movement serve as an important reminder that marriage is not a fix-all.…
Read MoreThe Future Of Faith From A Trans-Man’s Perspective
It’s 9:30 on Sunday morning. I show up to work with my shirt buttoned to the collar and my boots shined to a glossy black. I choose not to wear a tie most Sundays. The chain on my wallet swings freely from my back right pocket as I swagger in, copy of the liturgy in…
Read MoreAssociation Of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists Announces Resignation Of Executive Director Robin Lunn
As the Board of the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists announces the resignation of Executive Director, Rev. Robin Lunn, they offer thanks for her dedication and leadership. Rev. Lunn has served in leadership roles at AWAB since 2007, when she joined the Board. She transitioned to her staff role as Executive Director in 2010,…
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