May 17, 2016
(Edited from Facebook)

Some days I wish I was more competitive. But I want everyone to win. As I enter the General Conference hall every day, I feel the hatred. It is palpable. I let it in. I do not try to block it.

And I feel the love. Love of friends. And I feel the love of God. I feel the anxiety of the process and I feel gratitude for those who have worked so hard. I am excited to see people of the larger UMC, longtime co-conspirators and new advocates for grace and inclusion.

So every day is a spectrum of emotion. A rainbow of feelings.

Today, as the news of the Bishops getting busy is confusing. I am not interested in creating oases of safety for the privileged few. Following Jesus is dangerous ministry. I do not want to abandon LGBTQI people in hard places.

However, I am also feeling very positive feelings – perhaps that the silence is breaking! The code language and double speak has crushed the integrity of the body of Christ. My good and faithful friends have had to leave in order to be whole. The closet has been enforced, even by “allies.”

However, I am also feeling very positive feelings – perhaps that the silence is breaking! The code language and double speak has crushed the integrity of the body of Christ. Integrity as our strategy! Wow.

I will be smiling because the Spirit has been set free from the “covenant” that silenced and killed relationship in this church.

I will be grateful for the faithful witness of people who would not participate in the hypocrisy and led the way, sometimes by leaving.

I am remembering you today.

I will be apprehensive because we do not know how painful the speeches will be as this is considered. We do not know the outcomes. And, wanting Bishops to lead sounds so unfamiliar to my experience of their history of “washing their hands” of leadership.

Then, it may be defeated and we are back for the anti-gay legislation. Whew.

Meanwhile, we will continue with our calling to share the grace and understanding that God’s love is for LGBTQI people.

Love Prevails.