I am so grateful for your leadership and presence in the world. I am a cis white woman in a fairly progressive congregation, and am taking bold/tentative first steps in leadership toward deconstructing racism with intention and action in our community. I’d love to learn more about all that you mention in this post, and intentional planning sessions sound like a particular gift in this moment! May you find rest, restoration, and joy on your vacation!
I wish you an amazing vacay with lots of relaxation and recharging. I would love to talk about all of the above. Number one would be explicit planning sessions. Safe travels
When I first heard about you and your first book I was only aware that you were a Black minister in "America's whitest denomination," the ELCA. Finding out in your epistle (above) that you are queer means that I, as a white, straight, married, and older Episcopalian, can now look forward to learning *twice as much* from you as I signed on for last week when I ordered your book and signed up here. I am looking forward to this! Enjoy your vacation.
I would love to talk about all of the above things! In addition to those I would love to talk about how a very progressive Christian can help move their not as progressive congregation along faster towards change (especially in regards to racial justice and full celebration of queer folx)?
Well I am so grateful you are here. I hope as this copmmunity unfolds and we talk to each other at incredibly important moments like this, the divine in us both spark something new!
Corina-I know how you feel. In 1998, my wife and I finally landed in an Episcopal Church (St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church, SF: www.saintgregorys.org) in which I, as a long-time Episcopalian, was in 'the middle of the pack " politically and in "wokeness." The theological arguments in favor of the full acceptance and ordination of women, minorities, and the LGBTQ community within the "major" denominations have many parallels, most of them based on Jesus' loving inclusion and the primacy of love and forgiveness.
I am indeed thrilled to have seen in my own lifetime as an Episcopalian, the gradual and increasing acceptance of *all* people within most sectors of our church. We are far from perfect but, in geologic time, the moves have been momentous. (That is part of what scares so many people, I think, too.)
My pastor has been recommending “Dear Church” since it was first published. I’m ashamed to say I didn’t purchase it until Mr. Floyd’s murder sparked me to shift away from the books I was reading to focusing on a whole new pile of books on my nightstand. This past weekend my copy fell into the lake ...so much for trying to focus in a quiet place. I was furious and may have dropped a few curse words in the solitude of the woods as I realized it was not salvageable. I’m so glad your publisher has printed more copies and my new copy will arrive tomorrow!
I’m here. I’m listening. I’m an ELCA member who appreciates your words and guidance on how to take action for change. I want a church my God son will return to, where he knows he is a welcomed child of God. I want a church that will step in to dismantle this mess we have created in America. Peace to you.
I am so grateful for your leadership and presence in the world. I am a cis white woman in a fairly progressive congregation, and am taking bold/tentative first steps in leadership toward deconstructing racism with intention and action in our community. I’d love to learn more about all that you mention in this post, and intentional planning sessions sound like a particular gift in this moment! May you find rest, restoration, and joy on your vacation!
I am back and ready to chat :)
I wish you an amazing vacay with lots of relaxation and recharging. I would love to talk about all of the above. Number one would be explicit planning sessions. Safe travels
Karen we are going to do some open Q and A soon!
When I first heard about you and your first book I was only aware that you were a Black minister in "America's whitest denomination," the ELCA. Finding out in your epistle (above) that you are queer means that I, as a white, straight, married, and older Episcopalian, can now look forward to learning *twice as much* from you as I signed on for last week when I ordered your book and signed up here. I am looking forward to this! Enjoy your vacation.
Beloved. I am so grateful you are here.
I would love to talk about all of the above things! In addition to those I would love to talk about how a very progressive Christian can help move their not as progressive congregation along faster towards change (especially in regards to racial justice and full celebration of queer folx)?
Well I am so grateful you are here. I hope as this copmmunity unfolds and we talk to each other at incredibly important moments like this, the divine in us both spark something new!
Corina-I know how you feel. In 1998, my wife and I finally landed in an Episcopal Church (St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church, SF: www.saintgregorys.org) in which I, as a long-time Episcopalian, was in 'the middle of the pack " politically and in "wokeness." The theological arguments in favor of the full acceptance and ordination of women, minorities, and the LGBTQ community within the "major" denominations have many parallels, most of them based on Jesus' loving inclusion and the primacy of love and forgiveness.
I am indeed thrilled to have seen in my own lifetime as an Episcopalian, the gradual and increasing acceptance of *all* people within most sectors of our church. We are far from perfect but, in geologic time, the moves have been momentous. (That is part of what scares so many people, I think, too.)
Best wishes to you in your work!
Jon
My pastor has been recommending “Dear Church” since it was first published. I’m ashamed to say I didn’t purchase it until Mr. Floyd’s murder sparked me to shift away from the books I was reading to focusing on a whole new pile of books on my nightstand. This past weekend my copy fell into the lake ...so much for trying to focus in a quiet place. I was furious and may have dropped a few curse words in the solitude of the woods as I realized it was not salvageable. I’m so glad your publisher has printed more copies and my new copy will arrive tomorrow!
I’m here. I’m listening. I’m an ELCA member who appreciates your words and guidance on how to take action for change. I want a church my God son will return to, where he knows he is a welcomed child of God. I want a church that will step in to dismantle this mess we have created in America. Peace to you.