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 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 Jun 27, 2014 ⋅ No comments
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 […]
On Jun 12, 2014 ⋅ 6 comments
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 […]
On Jun 6, 2014 ⋅ No comments
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 […]
