Religious conservatives and the LGBT community have to learn to make room for each other.
Fear Factor
We Call Ourselves Disciples
My wife Jan and I have been members of First Christian Church of St. Paul for nearly 20 years. We love the congregational focus. We particularly embrace the dedication to the principles of wholeness and inclusiveness of the Disciples of Christ, that welcome everyone to the Communion Table with no exceptions. We have recently rededicated... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “The Healing Power of Collard Greens”
This is a sermon I preached on Easter evening in 2005. It is the text I will be preaching on this Sunday for the Third Sunday in Easter. Luke 24:13-35 April 10, 2005 Community of Grace Christian Church St. Paul, MN I love good food, and it probably shows. I consider myself lucky to be... Continue Reading →
By the Time I Get to Arizona
About a week ago, I wrote a post on same-sex marriage and how those of us who support it should act towards those that oppose it. Can we be good winners to the losers? Some of the response to that post got me thinking (and agonizing) over this issue. In two states, Kansas and Arizona,... Continue Reading →
Beyond the Bitchy Queen?
There are people in your life who've come and gone They let you down and hurt your pride Better put it all behind you; life goes on You keep carrin' that anger, it'll eat you inside -Don Henley, The Heart of the Matter I've come to the conclusion that I have to be the oddest... Continue Reading →
Building a Bridge with Beer
A few weeks ago, I sat down for a beer with a fellow pastor. Actually, I had hard cider- he had the beer. The pastor is theologically conservative and sees me- a gay pastor with an orthodox theology as a bit of an enigma. We had a very good discussion talking about church and life... Continue Reading →
“The Right Side of History” and Other Fundamentalisms
Over and over again, I heard one phrase being used on my side of the same-sex marriage debate: "the right side of history." Yes, most of us who believe in marriage equality do think this is the right thing to do. We liken this current debate in the backdrop of the civil rights movement and... Continue Reading →
An “Abomination” Speaks
a·bom·i·na·tion [uh-bom-uh-ney-shuhn] Show IPA noun 1.anything abominable; anything greatly disliked or abhorred. 2.intense aversion or loathing; detestation: He regarded lying with abomination. 3.a vile, shameful, or detestable action, condition, habit, etc.: Spitting in public is an abomination. -Dictionary.com Anyone who knows me, knows that I tend to be open to other views even when they... Continue Reading →
How a Gay Webcomic Teaches Christians About Resurrection
11 Mary stood outside near the tomb, crying. As she cried, she bent down to look into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels dressed in white, seated where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head and one at the foot. 13 The angels asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” She replied, “They have... Continue Reading →
Umbrage, Gay Rights and Grace
I'm an odd duck. I feel like I'm on of the few gay men that isn't angry. I'm not angry that same-sex marriage isn't moving faster. I'm not mad at the evangelical upbringing I had. Heck, I'm not mad that it will be very hard to find another call because I'm gay and many churches... Continue Reading →
The Clockwork Pastor 