Much of the conversation in faith communities about LBTGQ+ inclusion has been about who is “allowed” in, or what qualifies someone to be kept out.
But what if we’ve got it wrong?
What if the Body of Christ (the metaphor for the Christian church) is missing something? Maybe the body is not whole when the eye says to the hand, “I don’t need you.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
This inspiring and deeply personal sermon by Pastor Beth Carlson-Malena invites you to consider the queer gifts that your church or Christian institution might be missing but actually needs!
Beth Carlson-Malena grew up as a Baptist pastor’s kid in Saskatoon, and now lives with her wife Danice on unceded Coast Salish land, also known as Vancouver. Beth co-pastors a trans-denominational church called Open Way (openwaychurch.ca) that she helped start in 2018. She and her wife also recently launched Pride + Joy Ceremonies (prideandjoyceremonies.ca), where she can expand her beloved side-gig: creating and hosting weddings and rituals to mark milestones in people’s lives. Beth spends her free time bird watching, giving tours at Van Dusen gardens, organizing for climate justice and for a free Palestine, and reading/watching science fiction.
Watch the video, below, or read the transcript: Queer Gifts.
Need for speed? Here are the queer gifts that your church, Christian institution, faith community or family needs.
- Gift of Self-Examination – through coming out to ourselves.
- Gift of Embracing Mystery – through wrestling with God and scripture.
- Gift of Truth-Telling – through coming out to others.
- Gift of Pride – through fighting shame and fear.
- Gift of Hospitality – through seeking chosen family.