Posts Tagged ‘Love not Hate’
From Hate To Love: My Journey To LGBTQ Acceptance
When I was growing up, homosexuality was a horrible monster that no one wanted to deal with. “Abomination” was a word that I heard on a regular basis in my Baptist church. I grew up in the 80’s when AIDS, or as it was called then, the “Gay Disease” was on the rise. I even…
Read MoreReligious Liberty In A Time Of Marriage Equality
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision broadening the understanding of marriage, those who have fought same-gender marriage now express fears that they will be called upon to do things their consciences will not permit and are clamoring for “religious liberty.” It’s ironic that those who denied religious liberty to LGBT people in…
Read MoreA Reflection On The Recent Shootings In Charleston
As a pastor of a prominently African American Church, the recent shootings that took place in Mother Emanuel, the oldest African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in the South, continue to remind us that racism is alive, screaming and kicking. According to a survivor, the shooter said, “You rape our women and are taking over our…
Read MoreThe Wholeness Of The Body Of Christ: Marriage Equality, Christian Unity, & Mainline Decline
Last month, Adam Hamilton shared this post about marriage equality in the United Methodist Church. Hamilton is a public figure, an authoritative voice not just within his own denomination, but within all of mainline Protestantism. He’s a popular author and speaker, and having grown his church to ‘mega’ status—mostly unheard of outside of fundamentalist circles—his voice carries.…
Read MoreIreland Answers Pope Francis’ Question: Who Am I To Judge?
As Cardinals stay mum, youth move on Ireland’s historic vote approving gay marriage is a major blow to the Roman Catholic Church. With American Cardinals like Timothy Dolan and Sean O’Malley, and Archbishop Charles Chaput staying mum on the issue, failing to give interviews; the Church’s youth move on. Catholic youth want a different Church…
Read MoreFour Double Standards In The Josh Duggar Scandal
By now you have likely heard the tragic news of the Josh Duggar scandal. Here’s a quick recap: The eldest son of the Duggar family, the stars of TLC’s television series “19 Kids and Counting,” has admitted to sexually abusing some of his younger sisters and other children as a teenager. As news of the…
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 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 MoreMarriage Equality Hangs In The Balance At The Supreme Court
With thirty-seven states now legal proponents of marriage equality (LGBTQ Americans and allies alike) knew it would be just a matter of time before the issue would be brought to U. S. Supreme Court. But after the long awaited April 28th Supreme Court hearing of Obergefell v. Hodge I was left worried. Mary Bonauto, Civil…
Read MoreTennessee March Builds Pride, Visibility, Faith
Starting at 10am on March 22, 2015, history took place in the state of Tennessee. The first March for Transgender Visibility and Rights took place in Nashville, Tennessee. The march was organized by TNTJ (Tennessee Transgender Journey Project). The Executive Director of TNTJ, LaSaia Wade, along with several other key individuals, helped to put this march…
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