Finding Something Greater Than Ourselves

A black and white photo of a man looking out over a city.

I wouldn’t say I grew up very religious. In fact, I don’t believe in God in the traditional sense. I do, however, believe in something greater than ourselves and so often, in our day-to-day world, this is something we tend to forget. When I moved to New York City from Seattle I was scared that…

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Where Would Jesus Go To The Bathroom?

The nativity scene with jesus on a donkey.

Rev. Dr. Justin Tanis is an ordained Christian minister in the Metropolitan Community Church. He is also transgender, and he is the author of a book titled Transgendered: Theology, Ministry, and Communities of Faith. In it Rev. Tanis writes: “We tend to create God in our own image. If we ourselves are uncomfortable with gender variation,…

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What Is Next For LGBT Catholics?

St peter's square in rome, italy.

The Synod on the Family is over and Catholics await the possibility that Pope Francis will write an apostolic exhortation on family life derived from the bishops’ deliberations. Many are curious whether the pope’s document will mirror the disappointing Final Report or deviate away towards a much hoped for, more merciful approach. According to Jesuit Fr. James Martin,…

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Re-examining Our Dusty Lenses

A vintage camera sits on a wooden table.

Two weeks ago, a young girl was assaulted by a Student Resource Officer at Spring Valley High School in South Carolina. The internet was ablaze with commentary once the video of the incident went public. Outrage and grief overflowed from Facebook statuses and tweets. Particularly for African Americans, and especially for African American women, the…

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Because Houston Deserves Better

A view from a train window of a grassy field.

Houston, you are an amazing place. You are the home of a thriving arts scene, a mecca of art museums and opera. You are one of the most famous cities in the wonderful, enormous state known as Texas. Not to mention, you are the home of NASA and the Johnson Space Center, where mankind’s triumphs…

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Why I Hold My Partner’s Hand

Two people holding hands on a bridge.

Put simply, I love and am in love. When one’s heart is full. When one’s day is preoccupied with another. When I am in touch with the truth that I can’t live without him; and, I go through my day missing him, I can’t help but hold my partner’s hand. It is an empowering truth…

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Continuing The Work After Houston’s Fallen HERO

A group of people in red shirts standing around a table.

Our work toward justice continues. Yesterday, Houston voters rejected Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), an ordinance that would have protected the rights of 15 different categories of people. Opponents of HERO centered their campaign on a shameful, transphobic message—“No Men in Women’s Bathrooms.” Faith leaders in Houston advanced this harmful message and advocated to defeat…

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Don’t Miss Another Day Of #HolyTrouble

A sign that says wedgwood church lgbt equality.

We’re one week into the 40 Days Of Faith In Action. Since Day 1—the number of people journeying with us has more than doubled! Each day, we’re taking one action to celebrate and expand LGBTQ-affirming faith. From coming out as an LGBTQ-affirming person of faith, to exchanging stories with our friends and families, these actions are happening…

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Where My Loyalty Lies

A wooden shelf with books and pencils on it.

I hate to drive. But I spent about four days this past weekend in my car, on the road for Reconciling Ministries Network. I did something I hate because I love my church–the one where God’s people taught me the language of faith, and the power of the Gospel to set people free. It was…

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People Of Faith Support HERO In Houston!

A group of people posing for a photo holding signs.

The Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, lovingly known as HERO, is a ballot proposition being voted on this Tuesday. People of faith across Houston have joined the campaign to make HERO law and protect 15 classes of people currently without vital non discrimination protections in the city. Stories of some of those advocates of justice and…

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