From Director of Engagement: Claudia Aguilar Rubaclava

The theme for this year’s MLP Pride Service was Queer Joy as Resistance. We are living through times that require much resistance: protesting, calling your representatives to make sure a budget that cuts lifeline support to our most vulnerable siblings doesn’t pass, registering people to vote, organizing in your communities. This is all necessary work. But grinding day in and day out is not sustainable without two elements that go hand in hand: community and joy. There is a reason why authoritarian regimes immediately criminalize public gatherings and eliminate budgets for the arts. Without dancing, laughing, singing, and painting, we can’t do the work of liberating each other long term.

I wonder if that’s why Qohelet, the author of my favorite book of the Bible, Ecclesiastes, said: “So I commend enjoyment, for there is nothing better for people under the sun than to eat, and drink, and enjoy themselves, for this will go with them in their toil through the days of life that God gives them under the sun.”

So, friends, go and eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves. The work will still be there when you return.

-Claudia

From Director of Operations: Jesy Littlejohn

Happy July :)

I hope that you all had a queerfully joyous June. I have heard stories and have seen pictures from across the country of congregations who participated in various Pride activities. It brings my heart hope to know that more light is radiating throughout the world because of your witness.

I also am still riding the waves of emotions that came from participating in the More Light Presbyterians virtual Pride worship service. The call to go into the world, to be a prophetic voice and witness, to flip tables, and preach Jesus, is real and true. Rev. Shanea Leonard said in their sermon "we are living in a time where religion is being used to gatekeep instead of liberate; to profit instead of provide haven to pray; to wound instead of welcome." As they said: We are called to more!

We are called to journey together for the liberation of all people and the flourishing of all creation. It will be hard, it will come at a cost; but it is right. We are called to this!

I hope that you and your ministry will continue to journey alongside us as we seek to bring more of Christ's love and justice to this world.

Make sure to watch our Worship Service HERE

Make a donation to support the work we are called to do together HERE

-Jesy

There is so much happening this summer! Make sure to stop by and see us!

Upcoming Events!

July 28-31: Triennium. Join director of engagement, Rev. Claudia Aguilar at our workshop. Also, we have the best, cutest swag for all the kiddos, so visit our table.
August 28-31: Wild Goose Festival. Join board member Bethany Peerbolte and our director of engagement for conversation and swag

A Word from Our Partners!

The Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity is gathering stories and ideas from LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians so we can bring bold, people-powered recommendations to the 2026 General Assembly. This survey is designed to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians, staff, and mid-council leaders.

You can access the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/7XzZQeUS5Z

Please share with other LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians so they can make their voices heard!

kin·dom camp is an opportunity for LBGTQIA+ youth ages 12-17 to feel safe and free to show up as their full selves. Campers have the chance to experience all the fun that camp has to offer in a week filled with affirmation, community, and celebration.

This camp is affirming – full stop. It affirms all genders, sexualities, identities, abilities, and varieties of belief. The only thing we expect is a commitment to welcoming and celebrating everyone where they are, as they are. Our 2025 camp dates are July 20-25 in Nevada and Texas.

Keep up with @kindomcommunity on Facebook and Instagram for camp registration information and other news!

Our collective wisdom and knowledge can take us farther than what we can do on our own. You can help us this month in a few ways:

*Has your congregation paid dues this year? If not, you may submit them here.Your dues help us do this work.

*Donate! We educate individuals and congregations, offer pastoral care to queer people and the ones who love them, we guide congregations as they seek to discern best steps, we advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in our denomination and in the public arena. We can’t do it without your help.

*In light of recent political developments, the number of LGBTQIA+ couples seeking to get married has increased. More Light Presbyterians is compiling a list of queer and queer-affirming clergy willing to officiate wedding ceremonies and preach at MLP congregations on short notice. Please spread the word widely within your networks. If you are in need of an officiant, please contact us at hello@mlp.org indicating your location and the date of the ceremony.

*Do you have pictures of various LGBTQIA+ related events that you or your congregation have participated in? Let us highlight them! Keep them coming! Please email them to hello@mlp.org

*We are trying to collect a list of all of our former board members to create an MLP alumni group. Have you served on our board or do you know someone who has served on our board? Send us an email or fill out this form and someone will be in touch soon.

GET YOUR MLP MERCH!

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Your gift helps to advance More Light Presbyterians center and celebrate the lives, gifts and leadership of LGBTQIA+ people in the PC(USA) and beyond! Click the link to donate today!

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