I have been thinking about being a Welcoming Congregation and how it is an ongoing process. I hear stories that some worried we would become a gay church by making the commitment of being a Welcoming Congregation.
And I say, “Bring it on!” I would love for us to be a gay church.
I want to share with you a blog post from my colleague in Providence, RI, the Rev. James Ishmael Ford:
HOW TO BECOME A GAY CHURCH: A Call to a New Age in Spiritual Community
In the end, he takes the congregation through a journey of repentance. We cannot deny the pain and suffering our gay/lesbian/bi and trans brothers and sisters. And in Southwest Florida it is rough. Imagine being a queer high school youth in these parts. Imagine being raised thinking you were unnatural and hell-bound.
When I think of those kids in junior high and high school, I know that I want us to be a gay church.
What a fabulous sermon by a RI minister–imagine that!! – Allison you are the best –Steve
As a woman who now lives openly gay with my partner of 7 years, I’m delighed to read the above.
)
I’ve been living in Asheville, NC since I left my husband and marriage of 47 years…yeah, I’m that old !!
Most of my children still live in Cape Coral and the Fort Myers area. We’re moving back down there within the year and I will once again reunite with family and the UU of Fort Myers.
I’m looking forward with joy to becoming a member again, especially after reading about the new Minister…
Cheers, Bo! I look forward to meeting you- we have good UU peeps up in Asheville, too. Glad to hear you are coming back and please invite your partner to attend as well.
WE ARE SO VERY BLESSED YOU WERE CALLED TO US…TOGETHER WE WILL ALL GO FORWARD
LUV
ARLENE