Posts by Believe Out Loud
It Is Finished
Jesus’ Seven Last Words, sayings offered from the cross, may serve as guidance for the spiritual life. This is sixth in a series on Chris Glaser’s blog, “Progressive Christian Reflections.” Not to demean the abject nature of Jesus’ final words, according to John—but how nice to be able to say, “It is finished.” I have…
Read MoreWhy I Defend An Institution That Does Not Defend Me
In case you missed it, a few days ago the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) changed its definition of marriage to include people of every sexual orientation and gender identity. There has been much celebration, and I rejoice with my Presbyterian siblings. As someone who is particularly sensitive to Reformed theology, days like these make me desperately…
Read MoreWhat Are We To Make Of Pope Francis’ Inclusive Prison Visit?
Pope Francis joined 90 prison inmates for lunch during his visit to Naples last Saturday, including 10 from the ward which houses those who are gay, transgender, or have HIV/AIDS. They were among the 1,900 inmates who participated in the lottery for a chance to eat with the Pope. The pope did not address LGBT…
Read MoreA Prayer Upon the Adoption of “Marriage Between Two People”
Loving God of all, I confess I hardly know what to pray today. But I’ll take a deep breath, trust in Your guidance, and find out. Last week my church, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), adopted by a majority vote (87) among our 172 regions, this statement on marriage: “Marriage involves a unique commitment between two…
Read MoreMy Faith Is Bigger Than the Church
Throughout my first year of seminary, I often had conversations with a good friend living overseas. While our conversation topics ranged from politics to cultural differences to vacation locations, one of our most popular subjects to discuss was religion. We came from two completely different backgrounds-he is a white straight British male who is no…
Read MoreLost and Found: When God Came Looking For Me
I have about zero sense of direction. I have tried, really tried. Years ago I took an orienteering course with wilderness experts, but today I still have to use my iPhone compass when exiting a subway station to know if I’m heading north or south. At this point in life, I accept that spatial reasoning…
Read MoreWalking in Grace: Affirming Marriage for All Loving Couples
Presbyteries have now voted YES! The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (USA) now includes all loving and committed couples. Amendment 14F was ratified by 51% of our Presbyteries. In the PC(USA), marriage is now defined as between “two people.” More Light Presbyterians embarked on this journey decades ago. One man stood up at…
Read MoreOpenly Transgender Ministers To Preach & Speak At Candler School Of Theology At Emory University
For the first time, an openly transgender priest is scheduled to preach at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. The Rev. Dr. Cameron Partridge, the Episcopal chaplain at Boston University, will be the guest preacher in the school’s chapel service on Tuesday, March 26. The service will be livestreamed on Candler’s website. The service…
Read MoreNew Video Focuses On LGBT Catholics “Owning Our Faith”
A new video about sexuality and spirituality, aimed ultimately at Pope Francis as its audience, has been released on the web by a group of LGBT Catholics in New York City. “Owning Our Faith” is a 14-minute film in which a diversity of LGBT Catholics, family members, and pastoral ministers speak candidly about the intersection of…
Read MoreErskine College Releases Anti-Gay Position That Will Inform “Institutional Decisions”
In February, the Board of Trustees at Erskine College, a Christian liberal arts school associated with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Due West, South Carolina, released a discriminatory statement claiming that marriage is “between a man and a woman,” and that sexual relationships between two people of the same sex are “contrary to the will of the…
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