This sermon titled “Standing: in the gap, on justice” was preached from Numbers 27:1-11.

A letter authored recently within our denominational family stated that “The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” This sermon was preached for those tangibly advocating and living into the full inclusion and celebration of LGBTQ+ folks in the Church.

Where does this openly-gay pastor come into things? The author, the first of ten signatures, and the person to personally deliver this letter within our denomination is the denominational executive currently responsible for my ordination. Oh! Is it me? Am I the drama?

“While the word “homosexuality” was not introduced into the Bible through translations until 1946, queer people have existed in the Church the entire time. 
While some believe being queer to be the actions one “practices,” others know and have known for a very long time that being queer is part of how God intentionally and beautifully weaves us together as people. 
While some believe that the Church is suffering because queer people dare to exist within its walls, others believe that it is in fact the Church’s homophobia that is suffering from not standing on very stable ground. 
I am one of these people. I do not believe the Church is dying, but ultimately it is the unhealthy systems of oppression that have thrived within the Church that are dying.”

Ase and Amen.