You Are Seen. You are Loved.

I have shied away from sharing my own thoughts on the United Methodist decision made in St. Louis this past week. I have shied away for many different reasons; I have seen behind the curtain and had little to no faith in a progressive plan moving forward, I still do not know if I consider myself a Methodist, or a Christian for that matter, and I do not take institutions too seriously.

Ironically, however, and for reasons that are hard to fully explain, I am a student at Perkins School of Theology, a Methodist Seminary in Dallas, Texas.

This week I have seen, listened, and heard many of my friends and fellow class-mates grapple with feelings of confusion, anger, disappointment, shame, and uncertainty, as they try to figure out what these decisions mean for the future of their church and their place within it. Further, my email has been filled with updates and responses to the vote from local churches, schools, and groups that I am a part of.

In case you are unfamiliar with what is happening, last Sunday, a United Methodist Special General Conference was held to vote on issues around inclusivity and sexuality within the church. At the end of the conference, a conservative plan was passed that does not allow LGBTQ individuals full membership and participation within the church.

Personally, I believe that all people are loved and beautiful, created in the image of goodness and love. Nothing can take that away from us. Nothing can take that away from those we deem “other.” I believe that God, the Universe, The Great Mystery that surrounds us, lives and breathes within and around every last one of us. I believe that we are all equal in the eyes of the Creator. I believe that God is bigger than any of our divisions.

While it is not always easy to move forward, and there is a lot of pain and uncertainty in the world around us, it is important to remember that we are stronger than any ruling, any institution, and any executive decision. Our voices matter. Our pain matters. Our existence matters. I hope that everyone reading this knows that you are loved, you are enough, you are beautiful created in the image of the Creator. No conference or group of people can ever take that away from you.

I stand with my LGBTQ family and friends and with all others who are in pain or confusion at this time. You are seen. You are heard. You are loved.