To be the beacon of Christ’s love that we yearn to be in the PCUSA, we need all parts of the Body. We need all to be engaged on level ground. And we cannot say to each other, “I don’t need you!”

How we see God at work in this may vary but we can pause for a moment on the blessed common ground of acknowledging God at work in the church and the world in this vote. We can join together in keeping our eyes on God’s presence and inspiration and move ahead.

Occasionally, but rarely, have I shared my own stories. However, in this historic moment, I’d like to share a little about my personal journey in the hopes that it will inspire others to share theirs.

Washington Post On Faith: Since November of last year, Presbyterian ministers and elders have been listening, discussing and praying over an amendment to our church constitution. One by one, faithful Presbyterians, including me, have gathered to vote in presbyteries across the country on whether to allow our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters in Christ to be ordained as Ministers of Word and Sacrament. Continue Reading

Huffington Post: I see this vote as one indication of a moral awakening in America. I say moral awakening because many people of faith across the country and world are opening their eyes to the many wonderful gifts and the faithful service that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender believers bring to our many religions. Continue reading

Today, Tuesday, May 10, marks the day now written in the Book of Life when it has become a certainty that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will allow ordination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender faithful Christians as elders, deacons and ministers in the church communities that wish for these candidates to become ordained.

There are many conversations still to be had this Eastertide in the presbyteries yet to vote. Two years ago, the majority of 87 was reached a few weeks after Easter. Right now, only God knows what will eventually be written in the Book of Life.

The peace of Christ be always with you and welcome to this inaugural video on TimeToEmbrace.com.

Last year, I pondered upon our sinfulness at Good Friday. The day invites us to that humble prayer of confession. However, this year another aspect of Jesus’ ordeal leading to ignominious death fills my mind. It comes at the start of this day in Gethsemane, a garden about a mile from Jerusalem.

In essence, we have said to our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members, “Too bad, your Baptism pales in the light of our judgment of you.”