New Video Focuses On LGBT Catholics “Owning Our Faith”

Two men standing next to a priest in a church.

A new video about sexuality and spirituality, aimed ultimately at Pope Francis as its audience, has been released on the web by a group of LGBT Catholics in New York City. “Owning Our Faith” is a 14-minute film in which a diversity of LGBT Catholics, family members, and pastoral ministers speak candidly about the intersection of…

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What My Momma Saw

A black and white photo of a baby.

As a younger man I would have questioned someone’s sanity if they told me they saw in my future the experiences I am living now. I had not imagined that there would be a life in ministry for me, when I had decided not only to accept my sexuality, but to live in that truth…

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My Life As A Nuclear Weapon

A statue of jesus on a cross in front of a cloudy sky.

I awoke to a bombshell last week. Pun intended, because I need some humor to dull the hurt, manage the anger, and resist a rekindled sense of insecurity. The bombshell is the statement attributed to Pope Francis concerning gender theory. Now widely circulating in the media is the statement made by this pope that gender…

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How One Pastor Broke The Silence About LGBTQ People

A rainbow over a house.

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…

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Sexuality & Faith: A New Course for Religious Leaders

Two black women hugging each other in front of a brick wall.

The intersection of faith and sexuality is one that is often traveled with misconceptions and anxiety because the Church has mostly failed to offer thoughtful, helpful information and education. The Church has been more of a hindrance than a help when it comes to the affirmation of our creation as God’s children of flesh and…

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To Heal the World We Must Heal Ourselves: Reflections on MLK Day

A black and white photo of the washington monument.

Martin Luther King’s actual birthday is January 15th, and I believe if MLK were alive today he would be well pleased with Ava DuVernay’s  film “Selma.” Many people working for justice today stand on the shoulders of Martin Luther King Jr and what he achieved in Selma.  But I believe King’s vision of justice is often gravely…

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7 Reasons To “Queer” The New Year

Colorful confetti on a cobblestone street.

So, you’ve probably noticed the word “Queer” being used more and more. Do you find yourself wondering, “why to use the word, Queer?” Maybe you’re LGBTQ and wondering why Queer matters in your community. Well, get your party hats on, because this post is a celebration of all things Queer, and you’re invited! 1. It…

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Reflection On A Brief, Authentic Life

Three pictures of a man taking a selfie in a mirror.

“We don’t support that, religiously.”- Carla Alcorn (remark from an interview following the suicide death of her seventeen-year-old transgender daughter) People sometimes ask me why I “came out” as a transgender man and United Methodist clergy. There is more than one answer, but today the quote above from the mother of a seventeen-year-old transgender daughter…

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The Dawn Light Of Christmas

A sunset behind trees.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:5 The gospel writer John captures his vision of Christmas in this poetic verse. He offers the hopeful image of Jesus as a saving light, rescuing us from threatening darkness. Matthew and Luke add dramatic stories to complete the familiar picture:…

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