Whew! What a month it has been! As we move through the new normalcy of living in the midst of a global pandemic, I keep thinking back to conversations I had in February and early March, plans that were made in anticipation of a world that is fundamentally different than the one we are now living in. I think about the hugs I shared with friends at the NEXT Church National Gathering and the easy laughter that’s been harder to find on some days over the last month.
I’m overjoyed to share that today, March 31st is the Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), a day for people to show their support for the trans community. It aims to bring attention to the accomplishments of trans people around the globe while fighting cissexism and transphobia by spreading knowledge of the trans community. Unlike Transgender Day of Remembrance, TDOV is not a day for mourning, but rather, a day of empowerment and recognition of the many things trans people offer just by being who they are.The theme for this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility is “surviving, thriving” (#TransThriving), and I cannot think of a more relevant theme as we all seek to move through the reality of COVID-19.
One of the gifts LGBTQIA+ leadership offers the church is a spirit of adaptation and innovation. Queer and trans people have always found a way to be community when there was no way, andMore Light’s mission has always been to equip congregations and individuals to live out their welcome for LGBTQIA+ people within their congregations and by putting their faith into action. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic we are supporting congregations and pastoral leaders in innovating their worship to adapt to online formats, and find unique ways to cultivate and care for their communities.
I’ve been deeply moved by the ways More Light churches have led the work of finding creative ways to worship and build community online. Social distancing and stay at home orders have put LGBTQIA+ people at additional risk, whether someone is living in a home that doesn’t support their identity, or working a lower wage job that will be the first cut when companies begin to downsize. Our hope is that we can support More Light congregations to be on the lookout for ways to support LGBTQIA+ people in their wider community, and thus model what it looks like to care for those beyond their sanctuary walls.
For the last month we’ve been in high gear to support congregations and individuals in the midst of our current crisis. Recognizing that we are all learning what we need for support through these times, we at More Light have been planting seeds of support, trying a variety of things to see what grows. At present, we are providing the following offerings and will continue updating our website as we see which seeds grow. If you have any additional ideas or particular needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Given the immediacy of the need for groundedness during this time, we are experimenting with a new format for the podcast and will be offering Liberation Bible Study Live as a conversation on Facebook Live. You don’t need a Facebook account to participate; you can simply go to MLP’s Facebook page and you should see a notification when we “go live.” In celebration of the Transgender Day of Visibility and in preparation for Palm/Passion Sunday, this week I’ll be going live for two episodes of Liberation Bible Study talking to two trans faith leaders. On Wednesday at 2pm ET, I’ll be talking with Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tannis about Palm Sunday and on Thursday at 11am ET I’ll be talking with Myles Markham about Passion Sunday. When I created Liberation Bible Study in 2016, it was to give people the sustenance to move through turbulent times and to see the ways the Bible can offers a vision for resistance to empire and a pathway to liberation. I can think of no better time to lean into such a practice than now, and am so excited to see the wisdom and nourishment Justin and Myles will offer the More Light community.
In the Presbyterian denomination we believe God is always reforming and transforming the church, and that the church is never limited to the four walls of the sanctuary. This moment of pandemic is inviting us to put those beliefs into action as we all learn to lean into the creative and often uncomfortable movement of the Holy Spirit. I’ve been so heartened to see the ways people are experiencing the depth of connection possible in an intimate Zoom worship, or the willingness and necessity of letting go of the idea of perfection in the face of glitchy (and humbling) technology issues. Even more, I’ve been moved again and again by the ways this time has revealed the living Body of Christ at work through each and every one of us. May we lean into the vulnerable space COVID-19 is inviting us into, and may we, together, bear witness to the resurrection, whenever it may come.
In deepest peace and solidarity,
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