Why I Do What I Do, Episode #6

It's like when women were not allowed leadership positions. They did all the work behind the scenes but couldn't lead. I saw that in my church with the queer community - doing more than those who would not want them in leadership. My child came out to me as pansexual and she is a true servant. If she wants to use her talents to serve, she should be allowed to.

I am proud of how I have stood up for LGBTQ+ inclusion, but at the same time it is affecting my mental health as the UMC continues to drag its feet. If it were not for the fact my child wants to be part of the Wesleyan community at university, I would have left UMC for the more inclusive Evangelical Lutheran Church.

When I didn't stand up, nothing happened. Nothing happens when you sit on your hands or keep quiet. COVID has made church attendance dwindle. Churches are trying to survive and I fear that inclusion will fall to the side. I need to keep raising my voice because it's the Christ-centered thing to do. I can say things like "we need more people in church" or "if we don't reach out - who will?" But the truth is, if we love Jesus and claim to be his people then we need to accept all.