Divine Doubt; Hope Abundant

A small plant growing on a wooden deck.

“They tried to bury us; they didn’t know we were seeds” —Mexican Proverb Advent is that particular liturgical season in the Church when there is a focus on the coming of God, incarnate. For many LGBTQIA folks, the Church is not the place where they come for hope or participate in the anticipation of God…

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My Hope Is In Us

A person holding a sparkler.

Advent is the great liturgical season of waiting. We yearn, we search, and we reach out, and we dream of Immanuel who will walk amoung us. We spend much time preparing our homes and our churches for the holiday, and we wait. This season of waiting with expectation is the perfect time to work on…

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“Stay Woke” This Thanksgiving!

A woman holding up a sign in front of a crowd.

As I prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of the autumnal harvest time’s spiritual significance. As a time of connectedness, I pause to acknowledge what I have to be thankful for. However, as one who resides at the intersections of multiple identities—gender, race, sexual orientation, class, to name a few—this Thanksgiving will be…

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The Lord’s Prayer For Transgender Awareness

Heart pendant with candles in background.

This week is Transgender Awareness week, a week when we turn our attention to understanding the experiences and needs of the transgender community. It’s also a week that concludes with the Transgender Day of Remembrance this Sunday, on Nov. 20th. As people of faith, we need to educate ourselves this week on how we can…

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10 Ways To Include LGBTQ People In Your Congregation

How do you model lgbtq inclusion in your congregation?.

1. Hire LGBTQ leaders to serve in your congregation: 2. Host small groups conversations on LGBTQ inclusion: 3. Denomination-wide policy changes can lead the way: 4. Organize your congregation to show up at LGBTQ events: 5. A note to LGBTQ people—our presence makes a difference: 6. Believe Out Loud with inclusive language and church-wide statements: 7.…

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I am Angry, & My Faith Tells Me I Can Do Something About It

A group of people holding up their fists at a protest.

I am very angry, and I am usually the consensus builder. The racial tension, violence, and the growing backlash to marriage equality and trans visibility makes the everyday life feels like a powder keg. There needs to be some kind of release from all the pain, anger, suffering and injustice.  This summer I reached the…

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North Carolina LGBTQ Faith Organizer Training Postponed

Eyeglasses on a notebook next to a laptop.

First and foremost, we send prayers of love, comfort, and healing to the family of Keith Lamont Scott and all other families in North Carolina and beyond who have lost loved ones as a result of state-sanctioned violence. As a coalition of LGBTQ affirming people of faith, we are committed to equality and justice for…

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When Christians Erase My Bisexuality

A row of wooden pews in a church.

It’s hard on the heart to realize you’re invisible. That realization has fallen on me in all too many spaces: At school and work, among friends, and within the confines of the church. I am bisexual, and I have largely been blessed with accepting people surrounding me. I have only rarely been subject to violence…

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The Body Of Christ Includes Bisexuals

A person's hand is raised in front of a church.

Shortly after coming out to my church, I began to notice just how many LGBTQ people our congregation had. While my time prior to deciding to come out had been full of nerves and worry, my time after was filled with new friends and role models. In particular were two couples, both made up of…

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