Posts Tagged ‘Open and Affirming’
Finding My Way Home: My Journey As A Trans* Christian
My greatest problem with being a Trans* person was coming to terms with my faith. I grew up in the Southern Baptist church. My earliest memories were of my church. It was always the center point of my existence. I didn’t think I was being traumatized by my church while I was growing up. I…
Read MoreSpreading Hope At Spokane’s Pride: A Pastor’s Testimony
Photo (l-r): Rev. Deb Conklin, Rev. Liv Larson Andrews, Rev. Chris Snow, and Pastor Jan Shannon It is the evening after the 23rd Annual Spokane Pride Parade and Festival, and I’m tired. For 23 years, Spokane’s LGBTQ community have bravely taken to the streets in a march for inclusion and respect, and for 23 years, there have been Christian…
Read MoreOpen Wide Our Doors: Bringing Hope to The Presbyterian Church (USA)
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Revelation 3:20) I know you know this feeling—the feeling of banging fists on a door when no one will open it. In the Presbyterian Church (USA)…
Read MoreRising From The Ashes
As I reflect on the last six months, I can only say it was the grace of God that has kept me and kept my mind. It was only God’s love that kept my wife and I covered. After disclosing my sexual orientation to the church where I was the senior pastor and sharing that I had…
Read MoreChristian Faith Leaders Honored Among Trans 100
Last week, the second-annual Trans 100 was released, honoring Trans individuals from across the United States who are currently alive and active in the work of making the lives of Trans people better. Alongside Jen Richards, Minister Asher Kolieboi, co-founder of Legalize Trans* and current Chaplain Intern at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Department, served as the Co-Director of the 2014 Trans…
Read MoreAn Open Letter To Sunnie Kahle (And Christian Tomboys Everywhere)
Dear Sunnie, You don’t know me, but this morning I read an article about you. Ever since then you keep crossing my mind. As I went around town today in my jeans and button-down shirt and sweater, I thought about you. As I came home from the gym tonight, I prayed for you. And all…
Read MoreHow One Epiphany Helped Me Grow As A Christian
On Independence Day 2006, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ presented a resolution to hundreds of delegates to affirm same-sex marriages. It was a very hot, sunny Atlanta, Georgia afternoon with temperatures reaching beyond 100 degrees. However, it felt good inside the large auditorium, as cool air from powerful fans and air…
Read MoreFather Robert Nugent Passes Into Eternal Life
When few priests would do more than whisper about homosexuality, Father Nugent was meeting with people who identified as LGBTQ and encouraging them to claim their rightful place in the Catholic Church. During a time of intense homophobia in both church and society, he exhibited uncommon courage and foresight in welcoming and affirming the goodness…
Read MoreRediscovering My Home In The Catholic Church
When I decided at the beginning of the year to finally return to the Catholic Church, I had no idea what a momentous year it would be—not only for myself but for all Catholics. I had been working for Believe Out Loud for a year and realized it was not only important for me to…
Read MoreIs Attending Church Worth The Risk?
Visit our Welcoming Church Map to find a welcoming & affirming church near you. “Church starts at 9:30,” my dad yells into my room. I immediately text my wife, Oh god! Dad wants me to go to church with him! I don’t know if I can do this. I really don’t want to—should I go…
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