Posts Tagged ‘LGBT rights and religion’
The LGBT Crisis in Poland
By: Christoph Slomski (KKBS, Berlin) and Matthew Schmid June of 2019 saw celebrations across the United States marking how far the country has come on LGBT rights. It’s hard to believe that this year’s World Pride events in New York City—lasting an entire month, bolstered by innumerable corporate sponsorships and centered on a parade that…
Read MoreReconciling United Methodists of Texas Conference Offers Support for Bishop Karen Oliveto
Reconciling United Methodists of Texas Conference unreservedly supports Bishop Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky Area. We pray her episcopacy will be long and fruitful—resulting in many disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We give thanks for vocal disciples in the Western Jurisdiction nominating, electing, consecrating, and assigning Bishop Oliveto. We…
Read MorePersonal Transformations: Learning to Embrace “The Gay”
Nearly all of our best and most important transformations are prompted by personal connections, when what was once theoretical becomes achingly personal and powerful enough to blast through our preconceived, long-held beliefs. It’s why, with fewer and fewer gay people staying in the closet, more and more of us are being transformed by those personal connections,…
Read MoreWhy This Queer Baptist Wants Religious Freedom, Too
Tomorrow is Religious Freedom Day, a day that celebrates the passage of Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. Passed in 1786, this piece of legislation. As a queer Baptist, my faith is often trivialized by those who do not believe it is possible to be both queer and Christian. I also know that my Baptist tradition…
Read MoreDiscrimination Is Not Religious Freedom
As recently as January of 2014, the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) filed a complaint against Fontbonne Academy, a religious college prep school in Milton, MA, when the school fired Matt Barrett—after offering him employment at the school as Food Services Director. Matt Barrett was fired after he stated on a form that…
Read MoreThis Is Not The Progress I Wanted: A Queer Christian Defends Diversity
Same rights, same love, same values: this mantra is repeated across our movement as we work to claim space for LGBTQ people in an exclusive society. In a society that meets nonconformity with violence, it is no wonder we want to blend in. But if equality is earned through sameness, how can we answer to folks…
Read MoreRev. Candy Holmes’ Resignation from MCC Leadership Roles
Dear friends and colleagues,
There are few things certain in life, but change is certain. Today I am writing to share a significant change in my ministry and why this shift is critical.
Read MoreOnly For A Moment
Only for a moment, was it an unmatched statistic.
When 49 people were gunned to death in what was for some – the only safe space where they could be themselves; we watched, cried, and prayed in horror. But only for a moment did that stand as the largest mass slaying of Americans targeted by an “active shooter” actively engaged in unleashing a fusillade of bullets into a crowd of people in a confined space. Only for a moment.
Read MoreGrieving through the Holidays: Painting Holy Women Icons of Grief
The holidays can be the toughest time of the year. We expect warm nostalgia, celebrations—both sacred and secular—overflowing with family warmth and bonding. For queer people estranged from their families of origin, this can be doubly difficult. Grief, too, can be one of hardest things to deal with around the holidays. Whether it’s grieving a…
Read MoreTips For Getting Through The Hard Holidays
The holiday season is rough for many people in the LGBTQ community. Extra expectations, financial strains, and social isolation cause depression rates to rise. Many people have tensions with their loved ones over their sexuality and gender expression. When that’s coupled with the extra religious observances that take place in the holiday season, it can…
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