Posts by Believe Out Loud
When I Spoke Out, Support Poured Out
When I first joined the Many Voices Video campaign, I wrote a reflection on the importance of having the conversation around lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) acceptance in the Black Church—even when we’re not sure how. Since my video voicing my support as an ally and a southern minister was released, one thing is for certain: People…
Read MoreWhy We Refused To Cut A Gay Character From Our Christian Film
Hear ye, hear ye: God’s love is for everyone! This is the central message of our film Pass the Light. Who could dispute such a thing, right? Plenty of people, it turns out. Oh, sure, they will frame it inside “You don’t understand” and “You’re taking it the wrong way,” but from the powers that…
Read MorePennsylvania’s Episcopal Bishops Urge Passage Of Non-Discrimination Bill
“Jesus commanded us to love one another, and he listed no exceptions.” Bishops of the five Episcopal dioceses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania today called on the state legislature to pass the Pennsylvania Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in employment, housing, and other public accommodations. The bishops…
Read MoreRemembering the Lovings this Valentine’s Day
On this upcoming Valentine’s Day, I am reminded of no greater challenge to marriage equality than same-sex marriage that many LGBTQ activists are still struggling for in their states. However, the precedent for same-sex marriage was set by an African American woman named Mildred Loving (1942-2008) who I am honoring as one of my sheroes for Black History…
Read MoreHow One Pastor Broke The Silence About LGBTQ People
As the faith organizer for Equality Pennsylvania, I am honored to work with people of faith across the state of Pennsylvania to end discrimination against LGBTQ people. I meet clergy from across the state who support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. However, many of these faith leaders are afraid to speak up because…
Read MoreWill Pope Francis Meet With Sister Jeannine Gramick & LGBT Catholics?
Since becoming pope in March 2013, one of Pope Francis’ most endearing habits has been making phone calls or writing notes to ordinary people, and even sometimes meeting with them in a personal encounter. So, is it too much to hope that he might meet with friends of New Ways Ministry when Sister Jeannine Gramick,…
Read MoreLeading By Example
It took me a while to get here. Not to the point of LGBT acceptance but to the point of not worrying about what other folks may think of me as the pastor of Exodus Missionary Outreach Church in Hickory, North Carolina. I never had a problem affirming LGBT people. When I was a kid,…
Read MoreComing Out! From The Closet To The White House
“…Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost For over 30 years of going to my workplace and being fearful that my sexual orientation would be found out; I never dreamed I would be standing in the Oval Office…
Read MoreHaving The Conversation—Even When You’re Not Sure How
As a minister of God, it’s important for me to be as inclusive as possible. That is why, when Many Voices asked me to be a part of their video campaign, I didn’t hesitate. My concept of Christianity is based on love, regardless of who you are. When LGBT people come to Mount Vernon Church in Clayton,…
Read MoreWalking In Two Worlds: Walking The Red Road As A Christian
I walk in two worlds, in many ways. Another way I walk in two worlds is in my faith walk. I Walk the Red Road, and then some. To walk the Red Road is to follow a traditional Indigenous spiritual path. I identify spiritually as a Native American Traditionalist / Christian. I am closely tied…
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