Posts Tagged ‘Religious trauma’
The Nashville Statement Is Deadly Theology
I am the daughter, granddaughter, niece and relative of more than ten evangelical Baptist and Methodist ministers in Alabama and Georgia. I am also an openly-gay married woman and the Alabama State Director for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to achieving equality for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and…
Read MoreAffirming LGBTQ People In The Black Church
Much of the pain and suffering LGBTQ African Americans experience in theologically conservative churches happens in silence and secret. Some LGBTQ congregants do not even recognize the source of their pain, because sexuality, let alone non-heterosexuality, is not discussed or taught in many African American churches. Black LGBTQ people are often unaware that some of…
Read MoreWe Need More Than Outrage
This week has been a challenge. Whenever violence erupts and floods our streets, floods our airwaves, I know I may have to get creative about ways to meet my basic needs and function well enough to hold onto some kind of security in my life. It’s exponentially more complicated because I already occupy tenuous, vulnerable…
Read MoreWords of Encouragement for LGBTQ United Methodists & Allies
“Do not get weary little children. God is not done with us, yet. So keep praying, stay focused and keep the main thing the main thing.” These words were written by Rev. James E. Swanson, Bishop of the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church, in response to the Judicial Council’s recent ruling to rescind…
Read MoreLGBTQI Methodists Already Know the Way Forward
As an aspiring pastor in The United Methodist Church (The UMC) and a staff person at Reconciling Ministries Network, I spend a lot of time trying to explain my work to strangers, new friends, taxi drivers, and anyone else who might casually ask, “So, what do you do?” In these conversations, I spend most of…
Read MoreWaiting For Good News
Holy Week always brings about a mix of emotions for me. Over the course of a few short days, Christians go from shouting hosanna to eating with friends to remembering the state sanctioned murder of our Savior to seeing that death and hatred defeated in the resurrection. It’s a roller coaster for sure, one that…
Read MoreBishop Gene Robinson Pens Letter To Support Lesbian Methodist Bishop
In July 2016, the Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church elected Karen Oliveto as the first openly lesbian bishop in the denomination. Immediately after her election, opponents filed a complaint with the ecclesiastical Judicial Council to remove her from office. In response, friends and supporters of Bishop Oliveto are sharing letters of gratitude and…
Read MorePainting Lilith, Queering Lilith
Lilith has been a misunderstood, appropriated, and redeemed woman throughout the ages. Many feminists claim her as an empowering figure in Jewish mythology, with contemporary artists such as Sarah McLachlan, who created the all-women music tour, “Lilith Fair,” reclaiming her story. Some queer scholars have surmised that Lilith had a romantic relationship with Eve. Others…
Read MoreUnafraid to Follow Stars
Tis the season! Those of us in ministry have spent this Advent rallying our minds, hearts, and spirits to find celebratory tones of hope. I fear that much like our march towards resurrection, without wanting to look at the harsh and ugly realities of state and religious violence that took Jesus to the cross, we…
Read MoreDr. Keisha E. McKenzie Named New Director Of Believe Out Loud
New York, NY: Intersections International is pleased to announce that noted communications and development strategist Dr. Keisha E. McKenzie has been named director of Believe Out Loud, its initiative to empower Christians to work for LGBTQ equality and shatter the false dichotomy between the LGBTQ and Christian communities. Responsible for mobilizing an online community of…
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