When the Center Does Not Hold

I have been pondering upon a lovely reception the other night where Parity, a faith-based LGBTQ-focused organization based in New York City, honored me with their Faithful Servant Award. They invited me to speak for three minutes after some very kind words about me from Ashley Birt, Director of Christian Education at Rutgers Presbyterian Church. […]

My Believe Out Loud Piece: A Prayer Upon The Adoption Of “Marriage Between Two People”

Last week, my church, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), reached a historic moment. Ten years after being put on trial by my church for presiding over the wedding of two women, I witnessed that same church embrace LGBT people and their families by affirming marriage as a “unique commitment between two people.” Though I am still […]

Building Gracious Space in the PCUSA: Weeping

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 […]

Building a Gracious Space Online: #GracePCUSA Twitter Chat

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 […]

Building Gracious Space in the PCUSA: Forgiveness

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. […]

Reflections on the PCUSA General Assembly & How the Young Adult Advisory Delegates Led the Way

When I arrived as a Commissioner for the Presbyterian Church 221st General Assembly (GA) last month, I had publicly committed to vote in solidarity with the Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAADs). I confess my commitment was tested on the very first significant choice before us: the vote for Moderator of the assembly. As is always […]

The Craig Fahle Show: Presbyterians Take Up Gay Marriage Issue

It has been a momentous month for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Last week brought an end to the 221st General Assembly in Detroit, where, I am grateful to report, we took huge strides toward greater equality and inclusion in the church. Over sixty percent of the General Assembly voted in favor of giving pastors the […]

My Christian Century Post: Bisexual in the Church

Coming out as bi was a moment of clarity for me. Everything I had known about myself suddenly came together, like a hundred puzzle pieces finally settling into place. These moments are not always easy. We lay bare our souls to the world and it can put tension on relationships – with family and loved […]

Join me for the #GAMargins Twitter Chat!

As we gear up for the 221st General Assembly, I am reminded that some communities, like youth and LGBT people, have been sitting at the margins of the church for too long. It’s time for everyone to have an equal voice in shaping the future of the church. Mieke Vandersall, John Russell Stanger and I […]

Our Children, the PCUSA General Assembly and the Future

Blessed to be a commissioner to the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Detroit this June, I have publicly vowed to vote from start to finish as the majority of the Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAADs) do. Reaction to this commitment has been mixed, from both older and younger Presbyterians. Some of […]