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 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 […]
On Aug 28, 2014 ⋅ One comment
In June at the General Assembly, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) unanimously adopted a stance of solidarity with LGBT people facing persecution and criminalization around the world. It was an important, overdue step forward. In 81 countries where homosexuality is illegal, God’s global family includes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who face persecution for simply […]
On Aug 27, 2014 ⋅ One comment
I call this video, “The Story of a Reluctant Activist.” It’s also the public gift of recognition to a reluctant recipient. That’s me. In gratitude for the Three Rivers Community Foundation Champions of Change Award, I tell here some of my story. TRCF also announced that evening the creation of an LGBT Endowment Fund to […]
On Aug 4, 2014 ⋅ No comments
This May, something I thought impossible happened: through the action of a federal court in Pennsylvania and the 221st General Assembly of the PCUSA, I was, for the first time, allowed to pursue my freedom of conscience to preside at weddings of loving same-gender couples in my home state. Freedom of conscience is often cited […]
On Jul 15, 2014 ⋅ No comments
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 […]
On Jul 10, 2014 ⋅ 42 comments
At the 221st Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) General Assembly, something wondrous happened. We passed historic measures to recognize the love and commitment of all couples and to make sure that ministers can provide pastoral care around marriage to all couples in their congregations. This was an important milestone for our church, and a humbling one in my own faith journey.
