Category Archives: Congregational life
My journey began with one small step
For over 30 years of going to my workplace and being fearful that my sexual orientation would be found out, I never dreamed I would be standing in the Oval Office with the President speaking with him about LGBT Rights. …
When I spoke out, support poured out
Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers appears in the Many Voices Video Campaign, a visibility platform that illuminates the powerful presence of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians and allies within the Black church. Watch and share his video here. When …
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
For many, the very idea of an African American pastor or clergy person publicly embracing LGBT equality is unimaginable. You know the story; the Black Church is conservative and homophobic. That story is shifting. While the larger society has …
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
My dear Church of God in Christ, I am about to take a risk and say some things that I more or less thought I would never say. I have concluded that it is time. I am approaching my 60th …
Having the conversation, even when you’re not sure how
Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers appears in the Many Voices Video Campaign, a visibility platform that illuminates the powerful presence of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians and allies within the Black church. Watch and share his video here. As …
Is it worth it?
When you identify as a Christian, and you do it within the context of the Black Church, there is often an assumption that your thinking and reflection follow a very conservative and narrow understanding of who God is, and …
Talk is Cheap. Truth is Expensive.
Rev. Dr. Thomas Ogletree, a retired UMC elder, retired dean of Yale Divinity School of Divinity and former dean at Drew Theological Seminary, may now be the next clergy to face a church trial as a result of officiating the …
5 tips to begin welcoming gay/transgender people in the church
Perhaps you love your congregation, but you’re troubled or hurt by its failure to acknowledge and affirm the presence of gay and transgender (LGBT) people. You know the church is failing in its mission to welcome all, but it’s hard …