A Baptist church in Kansas City has rebranded itself to declare both its adherence to denominational roots and its identity as an open and affirming congregation. Holmeswood Baptist Church is now Holmeswood Church with a prominent tagline: “Baptist Roots, Inclusive…
In Kim Davis’ backyard, a Baptist church stays faithful
In 2015, the small Appalachian town of Morehead, Ky., became a national symbol of religious resistance to same-sex marriage. When County Clerk Kim Davis refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her personal religious beliefs, the Rowan County…
With ‘allies’ like these, who needs adversaries?
Hosting drag shows in a church. Board members posting incendiary statements about political violence. Dismissing or scolding dissenting LGBTQ voices. Sometimes it’s “inclusive” churches that can do lasting damage to the cause of LGBTQ inclusion. I was reminded of this…
‘Here we are’
Twenty-one years ago this month, I attended my first ever Pride Festival. I was living in Chicago at the time, and many of my new friends in our master of music program at Northwestern were going and invited me along….
Are you offering a ‘kids’ table’ for single adults at your church?
My best friend here in Dallas got dressed up and went to a church dinner this weekend in someone’s home. He paid $300 for his seat at the 10-course meal as part of a church fundraiser. You need to know…
The MAGA Paradox: When political symbols in schools become tools of exclusion
Walking into my son’s Atlanta-based Jewish school, I was immediately confronted with a sight that left me unsettled: a child dressed as President Donald Trump, complete with a white MAGA hat, for Purim. As I processed my reaction, I considered…
The church is called to DEI
Before taking office, Donald Trump promised a crackdown on diversity initiatives. In the weeks following the inauguration, some might say he’s overdelivered on his promise, shutting down federal DEI offices and putting all federal employees that work in such programs…
The sacredness of DEI
Diversity, equity and inclusion. DEI. I want to begin this post by reclaiming these words as good, whole and holy. You and I embody diversity, equity and inclusion. As Stacey Abrams recently said in her podcast, DEI is not something…
Jesus is still woke
Despite the stampede of corporations running away from any identification with diversity, equity and inclusion work, the gospel has not changed. Jesus is still woke. In the Second Coming of Donald Trump, we’re seeing a flood of headlines declaring the…
CBF receives $1.25 million grant to nurture children
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has received a $1.25-million grant from the Lilly Endowment for an initiative on inclusive children’s ministry. The grant will equip churches to be safe places inclusive of children — especially children with disabilities — and to use creative…
The book is out
I got all hot and bothered several months ago when I heard that Richard Hays (and his son Christopher) had finally published something reversing his silly Moral Vision of the New Testament chapter (published in 1996) in which he argued the Bible is against same-sex sexual…
What if you decided to love your child before you knew they were gay?
Dear parent, I’m writing today with a tough ask. I’m asking you not only to give a loving reception if your child “comes out” as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer. I’m asking you to imagine that day even if…