On Dec 22, 2014 ⋅ No comments
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) continues to engage in discussion and debate over marriage amendment 14F, seeking ways to common ground and gracious space. Might we already have a viable way forward? My volunteer work with other Presbyterians in New Orleans under the auspices of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance showed me how shared service can bring our […]
On Dec 5, 2014 ⋅ No comments
As presbyteries continue to discuss marriage and Amendment 14F, the outline of God’s will for us together as church in the 21st century begins to take shape. I previously wrote about the experience of meeting with Marc Benton and the lessons forgiveness, and weeping, can teach us about building a gracious space. In the weeks […]
On Nov 10, 2014 ⋅ No comments
How the Presbyterian Church (USA) can find common ground and a space for gracious conversation continues to occupy my thoughts and imagination. In my latest post for More Light Presbyterians, I recount lessons learned from the movement to ordain women and the Kenyon case – forgotten history, perhaps, for some, but a vivid memory for […]
On Nov 4, 2014 ⋅ No comments
In a follow up to my piece on forgiveness, I share with you my experience visiting Marc Benton in York. This was not easy to write. Below is a short excerpt from the piece, which you can find in full on MLP’s website. Some days have passed since then. As a slow feeler, I needed […]
On Oct 28, 2014 ⋅ No comments
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has moved from the General Assembly in June, through a busy summer, and now turns toward church-wide consideration of the GA recommendation (14F) concerning section 4.9000 in the Directory for Worship on marriage. One of the special aspects of Presbyterianism is the opportunity given to every teaching elder and an equal […]
On Oct 27, 2014 ⋅ No comments
When I heard that Marc Benton stood before the Hudson River Presbytery in September to ask for forgiveness, I was floored. Nearly 15 years earlier, Benton brought charges against the presbytery for allowing same-sex weddings, setting in motion a series of trials and accusations within the PCUSA that sent ripples far beyond the Hudson River. […]
On Oct 21, 2014 ⋅ 3 comments
The Presbyterian Church (USA) faces difficult discussions ahead. Marriage is once again being is debated and discussed in presbyteries across the country as we consider recommendations from the 221st General Assembly, in particular, recommendation 14F. My thoughts turn to what it will take to inspire gracious, productive conversations about marriage in our church. For me, […]
On Sep 29, 2014 ⋅ 15 comments
The following is a sermon I gave on September 28th in support of Bisexuality Visibility Day. Please give it a read, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. I look forward to reading them. Since I first heard it, the story in the Gospels of the woman with the years-long flow […]
On Sep 25, 2014 ⋅ No comments
When I wrote about my “straight privilege” for Believe Out Loud during Holy Week this year, some readers took issue with what they interpreted as a message that Bi folk have it easy. It couldn’t be further from the truth. Bisexual people face higher rates of suicide, illness and poverty than their gay and lesbian […]
On Sep 25, 2014 ⋅ 6 comments
I am blessed to be a volunteer for Equality Pennsylvania, which is working to bring anti-discrimination protection to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in my state. We are working especially hard to amplify the voices of people whose faith drives them to know that everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, their […]
