LGBTQ+Advocacy and Equity Stands with Methodist Church

 

Photo by Igor Omilaev via Unsplash

The May 1 vote ‘signifies a profound shift toward acknowledging the inherent worth and spiritual calling of all individuals’

by the LGBTQIA+ Equity Advocacy Committee | Special to Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE — Following this month’s action by United Methodist Church delegates to repeal their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s LGBTQIA+ Equity Advocacy Committee, known as ACQ+E, issued this statement:

“The LGBTQIA+ Equity Advocacy Committee joins our United Methodist Church siblings in celebrating their historic votes to remove prohibitions for ordaining LGBTQIA+ clergy. We’re also excited to see the UMC removal of teachings against homosexuality and their recognition of marriage as ‘between two people of faith.

“Removing prohibitions against ordaining LGBTQIA+ clergy and taking the courageous step of revising official teachings regarding homosexuality signifies a profound shift toward acknowledging the inherent worth and spiritual calling of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation. This, combined with recognizing marriage as a sacred bond between two people of faith without regard to gender, reflects powerful steps in the UMC journey of moving toward an active practice of faith that sees all people as equal in the eyes of God.

“Both the PC(USA) and this committee share a strong commitment to promoting full inclusion within our church. This path is neither easy nor short. As we move forward into new territory, we acknowledge the dedication, sacrifice and courage of those who have guided us thus far. We also understand that our denomination has experienced and will continue to bear the equality struggles and burdens of our UMC siblings. However, even in the face of uncertainty, we hold steadfast to our belief that human equality goes beyond the confines of patriarchal history and cultural restrictions of love. Divine Love creates us as equals in every respect and Divine Love will continue to overcome the shackles of discrimination and prejudice that prevent such love from being expressed in pulpits, between spouses and in the world at large.

“We are united with our United Methodist friends in this most recent, hard-earned victory and look forward to walking with them on the path of full acceptance and inclusion within God’s universal church.”

PMA News article original link.  

Original article posted at PMA news site above.  Re-printed with permission 

Presbyterian Church (USA)

Overture 1 at PCUSA General Assembly 2024

 

In June of this year, the Presbyterian Church (USA) will take up legislation in our 226th General Assembly in Salt Lake City Utah, specifying gender identity and sexual orientation as categories of non-discrimination and upholding this as a standard for the church.  This stance is based on the foundational teachings of the church and on Jesus Christ own life and ministry.  Jesus always place mercy before a legalistic reading of the law, he also socialized and welcomed people of every condition and status. There were strong religious prohibitions from socializing with many groups in their society, some of these came with complicated cultural barriers, such as the relationship with the Samaritans, others had a basis in scripture such as the requirement of circumcision for all male worshippers. Jesus never allowed these religious or social barriers to stand in his way of making human connections and drawing people together, or allowing people to minister and be ministered to.  In fact, Jesus came to break these barriers down intentionally and forcefully. 

This is also consistent with biblical teaching that bars discrimination in the community of faith. The book of James 2:3-5 says, “...do not claim the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, while showing partiality”. These verses warn that treating people unfairly based on prejudiced distinctions harms the body of Christ. James 2:8 “if you really fulfill the royal law according to scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”, you do well." The principle illustrated here is a simple one, yet one many congregations find difficult to enact.  Every Christian has the right to be treated with equality, fairness and dignity, there is no room for discrimination of any kind based on either social status, or inherent human qualities including sexual orientation and gender identity.  Now, while acknowledging that the James passage primarily speaks to discrimination of class between the rich and poor, I believe scripture can faithfully be applied to other categories and human made barriers or distinctions.  The same principle is reiterated in Gal 3:28-29

In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.

Most recently, in accordance with the mandate of our 2018 General Assembly to “celebrate the gifts of all gender identities and sexual orientation in the life of the church” and to “affirm the full dignity and humanity of people of all gender identities” our church has gone on record stating that while all humans are sinners and that we all fail to follow God's law of loving our neighbor as ourselves, “being the person God created you to be can never be a sin.” This is in line not only with biblical principles laid down in (Genesis 1:27, Matt 27:37-39) but also with the long held and firmly established principle in the medical, social, and behavioral sciences that sexual orientation and a sexual identity are fundamental dimensions of personhood.  Therefore, people should not discriminate against others based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.  

While we believe as a church that the only requirement for church membership is our profession of faith in Christ, we know that LGBTQIA+ persons still face discrimination in both church and society. LGBTQIA+ persons are more likely to experience threats and harassment than their straight counterparts, and still face far fewer opportunities for placement and advancement in the church. It is therefore imperative that the church provide protections against such discrimination. The church is a place where every Christian should be allowed to participate in the sacraments, to participate in ministry according to their gifts and calling, to be treated with fairness and dignity, and to be safe from harassment, discrimination and abuse (Rom 2:11, Rom 3:22-24, Acts 2:17).  

The church should also give witness to social justice beyond its walls. In 2023, hundreds of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the United States, with a focus on regulating curriculum in public schools, access to health care, and gender affirming care. The church should take the lead by example and create the environment in which all human life is nurtured if we are to influence our world. If the Presbyterian church has already recognized that the Spirit of God is and has been at work among LGBTQIA+ Christians, and if we take seriously the task of confronting discrimination, than there is no other path forward but to pass this overture.  This will send a strong message and witness to the world that the church stands in solidarity and ministry with our LGBTQIA+ siblings and coworkers in our country and around the world. 

Voting on Amendments 24A and 24C in the PC(USA)

 Why I support a Yes vote on 24A and 24C

The PC(USA) will be voting in the coming months on two important additions to our Book of Order.  First, adding to our foundations of Presbyterian Polity "sexual orientation and gender identity" as categories that we do not discriminate against.  Second, requiring ordination examination questions to be asked regarding a candidates commitment to our principles of non discrimination and our historic principles of church order. I am strongly recommending a YES on both. These are labeled "24A and 24C" in the coming vote.

When I first came into the Presbyterian Church almost two decades ago, there were three important things I learned about ordination. First, that we believe that God is the source of all ministry in the church. We have always believed that every Christian is joined in ministry at our baptism, and every member is equipped uniquely to serve the church by the gifts given to us by God. As our sexual orientation and gender identity is part of our essential personhood and our identity, this certainly applies to all people that identify as LGBTQIA+ and this has already been affirmed by our church that has extended ordination to all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It has long been a tradition to accept those into church membership that have a faith in Jesus Christ, and not for any other reason. 

Second, I was stunned when I read in our Book of Order that we believe “truth is in order to goodness” and that truth is based by the 'fruit we bear'. We apply this truth to ordination when we examine candidates suitability. I have been ministered to, encouraged, loved, guided and challenged by many dear LGBTQIA+ Christians and I have seen and witnessed first hand the Spirit positive work through their labor, love and witness in the church. Last, we know that our ministry is always done in community and connection with each other. We are one body, and we depend on the very diversity of that body for its full ministry and vitality. 

As we read in Acts 15:6-11

...After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “...You know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us, and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?  On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

Just as the Holy Spirit was evident in the life of gentiles in the first century, so likewise, we see the Spirit working in and through the church through the lives of many committed and dedicated disciples of Jesus that identify as LGBTQIA+.

Therefore, it is important to ask questions during examination of our those called to ordered ministry to the commitment to being a friend among our colleagues. This amendment does not require uniformity of thought or conviction but is a commitment to not disrupt LGBTQIA+ Christians from living out their calling. I call all on those voting on Amendment 24-C to vote in the affirmative.  In Christ's Peace,  

Sermon: Rekindling the Flame

Art in the Christian Tradition

John 21:1-14

I remember falling in love with computers in the first school I attended. Our teacher was amazing. They had started a computer club, and in that club we put together computers from scratch. Well not really completely from scratch but we put together cpu's, monitors, different pieces we needed. We loaded on the operating system, and took tape recorders to record our computer coding. We started to program computers. It was amazing, all the kids in this club and myself were just wowed at what computers could do. I remember starting to program first images and pictures, using a grid or graph to darken in pixels. We could create any image and then by changing those pixels, we could create movement of those images. We made some rudimentary games, and using computing and math some basic programs for basic calculation. We recorded everything on regular cassette tapes. We could share those and we even figured out how to share what we had recorded with each other via the modem from line to line. We had so many questions, but we could see how this technology could do so much for us. By the end of the year, we were ready planning what we wanted to do next with our new computing power. I almost wonder what might had happened if I had stayed in the club. 

I ended up going to a new school the following year. At this new school, I joined the computer class so enthusiastic about all of these new possibilities. However, the teacher came in with a large book and slammed in on his desk. He proceeded to hand out large text books to each of us and asked us to begin reading. I was lost. I didn't understand any of it. It all seemed like nonsense, I didn't know when we would begin to actually program? I wanted to explore music, copying music, or making music on the computer. I saw potential for sharing games with other computers, I didn't even realize that our group may had stumbled on the concept of the internet though at the time we didn't realize it. But this teacher with a book demanding we took quizzes and then more reading. This completely killed any interest I had in computers. That was the end of my career in the computer sciences. 

Years later, I received an opportunity to work for a computer program company that produced Bible software. We took digital books and changed it into computer language so that those books could be read on the computer. That old love began to be rekindled. I remembered that I loved computing. Seeing it combined with to the production of theological works, and Bibles, commentaries, and dictionaries, was all I needed. My passion was rekindled. That passion that was squelched was relit.

This is in essence what happens to the disciples as we meet them after the crucifixion of Jesus on a beach during Jesus' third appearance. It was on this beautiful scene on the beach, Jesus and these disciples gathered around a crackling fire. It was likely that Jesus would have taken stones and placed them around to create a kind of fire containment, the wood or charcoal would have been started in the middle, vs 9 says “they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it and bread.” 

There were grills in the ancient times, (metal iron griddle) Jesus might have been using that or maybe direct cooking on the coals, but I imagine it being laid on a griddle or metal grate, or maybe even wooden spit. Jesus invites them to share this breakfast together. This whole event was really about sometime much more. In this experience, Jesus is actually reorienting the disciples after a very traumatic event. The crucifixion of Jesus was and is a traumatic event. Not only did the disciples lose Jesus, they were also in danger of being imprisoned and put to death themselves. So, those events left them shattered, and here we see Jesus reorienting his disciples after their ordeal. Jesus wanted them to get back in touch with what they loved, what they saw in Jesus in the first place, what excited them about ministry, why they decided to follow Jesus in at the beginning.

That morning had started like many of the mornings since Jesus' crucifixion for Peter. Besides the disorientation of having seen Jesus resurrected, Peter was still trying to make sense of it all. The disciples had been fishing all night. They just really didn't know what to do after that first Easter. “I am going fishing” was something he often said. This was Peter's trade after all, it was how he made his living before he had met Jesus. It hadn't been a good day, and they couldn't locate the fish. After a night of discouraging fishing just as the sun began to dawn, they saw the silhouette of a man standing on the shore watching them, and calling out asking “children, you don't have any fish do you?” 

Peter might have been tempted to answer less than honestly! “Yes, we have fish, of course we do, they are under this tarp”. Peter and the disciples were experienced fishermen, this was their trade and their profession. It's potentially an embarrassing answer. Peter is full of frustration and discouragement. 

But if Peter is anything, he is honest. “No, No, he pines", “we haven't caught anything”. He is always willing to face the situation as it is. But this is important, we have to be honest with ourselves. The voice calls out echoing across the calm breezeless glassy morning sea.  “Cast the net to the other side of the boat and you will find some.” This is some de ja vu. Jesus had been preaching and teaching by the sea of Galilee, when he had heard that command to “let down your nets down on the other side for a catch”. Casting the net brought an instant pull. Mounds of fish flapping and splashing. Peter couldn't believe it, this was just like the first time that he had met someone, Jesus. Yes, that was Jesus there on the shore. He was calling to me again just as he had a few years ago the first time he had met him. 

That first time, Peter had fallen to Jesus feet and asked him to leave him alone, “go away form me Lord, I am a sinful man!”

But Jesus would have none of that. Peter had becomes one of Jesus closest disciples, with him through thick and thin. That was until, until Peter had loudly, crassly, full of anger denounced knowing Jesus to all who accused him on the night of Jesus' betrayal. He had betrayed Jesus. He had betrayed his faith. He had turned his back on all he knew and believed. How could God ever call him to do the kind of work Jesus did, not after that night of betrayal. 

Theologian Karl Barth wrote, “where the church ends, not by a human act but by a divine decree there is its beginning. When its unrighteousness is exposed there its righteousness dawns. The divine demolition of any church means that every church rises as sign posts, thresholds, and doors of hope.” 

Peter was just devastated. He was so positive that his faith was strong, he was so sure that he wouldn't fail, but he betrayed Jesus. Some of us betray Jesus by our silence, some of us loudly like Peter. Some of us betray our neighbors, betray our principles, betray our conscience, convince ourselves that what we are doing is good, even though we see the bitter consequences of our actions. Seeing Jesus again however, and the message that Jesus sent to him, the message of those fish. Peter didn't have to be told twice. In the water Peter splashed, probably broke the record for the quickest swim to the shore. 

As the light began to dawn on that morning on that beach, Jesus reminded Peter again that he is and always will be a beloved child of God. That his call isn't conditioned on his perfection. That he was always called just as God had made him. He knew that the other disciples would need Peter's leadership. Peter was always perfect in his imperfection. His one task was to feed and care for others, as Jesus had cared for him. 

So, there they sat that morning on the beach.  Peter's love rekindled once again. Jesus eating with his disciples is the same way we eat the eucharistic meal, with the risen Christ reminding us we are beloved children of God, and there is world that needs us badly. 

Like Peter, we are invited to enter into the waters of baptism, to swim to shore and share a meal of love with Jesus and with his followers. Naked we are clothed, hungry we are fed, cold we are warmed by the fire, lonely we are brought into the family, guilt ridden we are forgiven, without hope we are enveloped in grace, broken we are restored, purposeless, we are given a vision, and our fire rekindled.

Jesus still calls to us on that shore, a blazing fire on the beach.  

The Inclusive Church and the Good News of Jesus' Proclamation

image Art in the Christian Tradition: Copyright © 2024 Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries, Vanderbilt University

used Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial use

 The Christian Church can be faithful to God and to the scripture and authorize or perform same sex weddings, and include LGBTQ+ Christians in leadership and membership without discrimination.  Furthermore this is the Biblical position from scriptures.  Take the example of the inclusiveness of Jesus' ministry.  He always reached out and include people of all genders, ethnicities, disabilities, and nationalities. He stressed unity and diversity.  John 17:21-23.  Look at the radical teaching of the early church in Acts 10 and Acts 15, Here we see the precedent and the rationale for welcoming LGBTQ+ Christians into the church without discrimination just as the early Christians debated the inclusion of the gentiles into their communities of faith.  

In the early church, Peter and Paul both argued that Gentile converts did not need to be circumcised or follow the Law of Moses to be saved or accepted into the church.  This is despite centuries old scriptural commands requiring circumcision for inclusions, the church recognized that the Holy Spirit was already active among outsiders. It was therefore essential for the unity of the church to acknowledge the work of the Spirit. 

Around the world, queer Christians have already been ministering, leading, working, teaching, officiating worship, and shepherding the church.  It's time that the church recognize their gifts, leadership, and contribution.  It is clear to many in the church today, at it was at Pentecost, that the Holy Spirit is at work in the lives of LGBTQ+ persons as they minister and work in the world for the gospel. 

If you are a pastor or church leader and have not considered becoming an affirming leader, let me encourage you to prayerfully consider making that decision today.  

An affirming church or pastor is a designation of person or organization that is affirming and accepting of the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and non binary persons in the life and ministry of the church. 

PCUSA position on LGBTQ+ persons

Sermon: The Strange Ending of Mark

Divinity Library

Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries

Copyright © 2024 Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries, Vanderbilt University

Mark 16:1-8

The book of mark has a funny ending. Its ending which we just read, simply says, “Go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee...and they went out and fled the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing...” The actual original text ends in verse 8. This was discovered when earlier manuscripts of the gospel were uncovered by archeologists. The early manuscripts ended with verse 8. It soon became apparent that for someone, maybe a monk that was copying scripture, the ending was odd and insufficient. Surely the rest of the story should have been recorded. Various endings were then added by editors and copyist to try to fix it. But it is clear, the longer and even a shorter passage, of Mark is not found in the most reliable Greek copies that have been uncovered of the gospel of Mark.

Now in your Bibles, take a look sometime, and you may see that what is called “the longer ending of Mark” will be included with a footnote letting you know that it isn't included in early manuscripts, and then some Bibles include another short ending that was also added later. Bruce Metzger, a renown biblical scholar and Greek New Testament expert, writes, “Clement of Alexandria and Origen, two early witnesses to the Bible, showed no knowledge of these verses, and also with Eusebius and Jerome”. The way Mark ended originally is puzzling. I however, am glad, Mark resisted this urge, and left us with an honest account. They went out and fled the tomb...and said nothing. 

This ending shows us that the disciples were quite devastated over the death of Jesus and quite unbelieving at the news of his resurrection. Whatever ideas they had about Jesus, Jesus had given them hope, he had shown great works, he had taught them and they clearly loved him and believed still in some sense that Jesus was chosen and would be the savior and messiah they awaited. But now all that was gone, all that was dead, all those hopes were dashed, and the loss was real and poignant, and shocking. 

On Good Friday, the reality of death hit home to the disciples. Jesus was dead, and all their hopes and dreams had died also. 

Death comes as a shock, it robs us of the people we love. Even though we know life and death are related to each other intricately tied to the web of life, that death is a part of life, the fact we know this doesn't usually take away the shock, surprise and grief of the death of those we love. The same is true of Jesus and those that loved Jesus. 

Dead were the hands that held the lepers,

Dead were the fingers that touched the eyes of the blind,

Dead were the lips that prayed thanksgiving over the fish and the loaves,

Dead was the heart that beat with compassion for the outcast, the alien, and the foreigner.

Dead were the lips that bravely stated that the poor in spirit, the meek, the brokenhearted, and the peacemakers would inherit God's kin-dom, 

Dead was the Jesus who sat at the table with tax collectors and sinners;

Dead was the Jesus who reached out to the woman at the well, the one ignored and abandoned by her own;

Dead was the Jesus who forgave sins and told us to love our enemies.

The Roman Empire and the religious elite thought they had won. They thought they had silenced another insurrectionist, another radical rabbi who dared to threaten the status quo. When his body was taken down from the cross, they breathed a sigh of relief and thought: Finally, we have put an end to this nonsense.

Until Easter.

On Easter morning, God had the last word. Death will never have the last word again. 

On Easter morning, God declared in the words of the Danish theologian, Karl Barth, the divine Yes of God, to the No of the Roman military might. 

Humanity at its worst cannot put down the eternal unstoppable word of God; Jesus 

God's word demonstrated in power, God's word demonstrated in glory, God's word demonstrated in victory, God's word demonstrated in love, God's word demonstrated in the empty tomb. 

Now, I understand a little bit why v8 ends strangely, the disciples of Jesus were terrified and ran out of the tomb and said nothing to anyone. I get that. If they shared their experiences with other, people would think they were crazy, they would be understood, they would be rejected, they were still in danger of the authorities.

Its ok to be in a place where we are honest about our grief, pain and fear in the face of violence and death, to be uncertain about the future, because if we are honest it looks scary, when we look a the world, the news isn't good, we fear that dark days are ahead of us, and what Jesus demands of us . Jesus love is so radical and we are so unused to it that it is unnerving. It is unsettling. The disciples had many examples of times where Jesus unnerved them with his love. 

It's ok to be in a place of fear, or uncertainty, because Jesus will meet us in Galilee. The story of Mark is unfinished intentionally because like our story, it is yet to be finished. The story continues. It continues with you and with me, with our broken dreams, with our wounds and grief, with our painful past. We are met with just love, and hope and a sun rising to meet a new day and the wonderful possibilities that are at our very doorstep. Easter offers us the empty tomb, and the resurrected Christ, I am going on ahead of you. My power is enough, my grace is enough my mercy is enough, a new creation is dawning. 

Just like a garden that blooms in the spring, like a wilderness that comes to live after the first rains falls, this Easter, if you find yourself in a place like the disciples did, know that we won't stay in that place forever. Jesus is ready to take up places we haven't been to yet. Places where he walked and he will himself be our shepherd, and guiding hand, and will make the impossible possible, the way only God can. Easter is the clarion call of God's new world, and God's new creation dawning in the person of the risen Christ. This heralds Good News for all of us, for each of us. It invites us not just to acceptance and love but to action that springs out of that acceptance of love. Nothing can ever be the same again after Easter. The story, you story...is still being written. 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  

The LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Committee of the PCUSA recognizes Transgender Day of Visibility

 

It’s been a half-century since a hand-written sign was hoisted on the General Assembly floor, asking, ‘Is anyone else out there gay?’

by Shani E. McIlwain | Presbyterian News Service

In response to a recent General Assembly mandate, the Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity is at work assisting the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in providing full expression to the rich diversity of its membership as described in the Book of Order.

The committee is made up of teaching elders Ashley DeTar Birt, Daniel Hammer, and Omar Gonzalez; ruling elder Tim Haworth; and deacon Salina Brett.

Committee members say they’re proud to announce the commencement of the committee’s mission dedicated to amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians within the PC(USA). With its unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality, the committee aims to build upon the groundwork laid by pioneers like the Rev. David Sindt, whose courageous act 50 years ago marked a pivotal moment in LGBTQIA+ history.

In a bold demonstration of solidarity and visibility during the 1974 General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., Sindt stood on the Assembly floor holding a hand-written sign that read, “Is anyone else out there gay?”

Today Presbyterians can offer an emphatic “Yes! We are here.” This watershed moment reverberated through the decades, inspiring many individuals to embrace their identities and assert their presence within the Presbyterian community.t

When asked the question, “Why are you here?” DeTar Birt responded, “It’s about feeling so moved and passionate about something — the work, the people, the theology — that you cannot help but be around it.”

As the committee embarks on this transformative journey, committee members seek to honor Sindt’s legacy and those of a host of allies who have championed LGBTQIA+ rights over the years. Their tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication have paved the way for progress.
The committee also recognizes and honors the contributions of LGBTQIA+ people of color, both past and present. There’s no LGBTQIA+ liberation, after all, without people of color, especially trans people of color. Committee members say they honor the intersections of race, gender identity, and sexual orientation, and commit to amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA+ people of color, especially trans people of color, as much as possible.

The committee’s mandate encompasses a broad spectrum of initiatives, including advocacy for inclusive General Assembly overtures, heightened transgender visibility, and structural reforms to ensure equal access to benefits and opportunities for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. By leveraging the collective power of all voices, the group hopes to create a more inclusive and equitable PC(USA) that embraces the diversity of its members. The committee invites all members of the PC(USA) to join in this historic endeavor to build a future where every individual is valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are.

The Transgender Day of Visibility is being observed on Sunday. The committee has issued this statement:

“Picture a life shrouded in secrecy, where your true essence remains concealed from the world. Your official documents do not reflect who you truly are. Every public appearance demands that you wear a mask, hiding behind a facade that doesn’t align with your inner truth. Imagine facing legal barriers that limit your access to essential health care, participation in sports, and even the use of public restrooms. Amid this oppressive environment, consider the profound significance of discovering a small community of allies who not only accept but celebrate your authentic self, allowing it to shine brilliantly amidst the darkness. This is the significance of the Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV).”

“TDOV is a day that our local churches can embrace and celebrate the diverse identities of transgender and non-binary individuals, affirming their intrinsic worth as creations of God. By providing a welcoming space for positive and genuine representation, a local church can help these individuals feel acknowledged and valued for who they truly are. Furthermore, TDOV serves as a valuable opportunity to dispel misconceptions and promote understanding of the transgender and non-binary experience. Using educational resources and social connections, a local church can foster empathy and solidarity within the broader LGBTQIA+ and PC(USA) communities, thereby creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

“The Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E) encourages both local churches and presbyteries to continuing our ongoing denominational efforts of diversity, inclusion, and Christian unity by recognizing March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility.”

Paul puts it this way in his first letter to the church at Corinth: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. (I Cor. 12:12, 26)

Haworth, who chairs the committee, sums it up like this: “It has taken us 50 years to come to this place where LGBTQIA+ folks are officially given a voice within our denomination. I recognize that milestone with sadness that it has taken so long and with gratitude for those who have tirelessly and successfully advocated for this recognition and validation of LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians.

“I’m a little awestruck by what they accomplished, and I look forward to working with my fellow committee members, our dedicated advocates and staff to make our church fully open and affirming for all.

Original link to article from PMA