I recently read Jordann McMahan’s powerful opinion piece at BNG about her experience as a queer student at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary. Jordann writes with remarkable vulnerability about an experience that is complicated. She does not paint every professor, student…
The peace of Charlie
For the past year, when I’ve been in town and not traveling for work, I’ve attended a historic downtown congregation not far from where I live. Over the course of that year, I’ve gotten to know members of the church…
There is no such thing as ‘the Baptist position’
Last week, The Advocate published a helpful survey of LGBTQ inclusion across Christian denominations. I was grateful for the article’s intent. Resources like these matter for LGBTQ people and their families as they search for communities of faith where they can…
Y’all means all
I’ve often paused when reflecting on Jesus’ enigmatic words in Matthew’s Gospel: “While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Look, your mother and…
Who taught us to march?
Today, under a North Carolina sun pushing well past 90 degrees, hundreds gathered in downtown Chapel Hill for Pride. We assembled outside the town’s historic post office. Under tents, information about local LGBTQ organizations and resources was offered. Vendors handed…
Surprised by the breath of the Spirit
Sunday morning, I attended worship at a nearby church. The people were warm and gracious. The music was beautiful, led by a gifted musician who moved seamlessly between organ and piano. The service itself was carefully and thoughtfully choreographed —…
Listening to a bell that no longer rings
Saturday night, what was meant to be an evening of tradition and lightheartedness at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was instead interrupted by violence, reportedly the act of a lone shooter. Such an event is, in every sense, traumatic and…