First Day of Freedom

Today was my first full day back in the office as a pastor who, because of last week, can now serve openly as a gay man in a committed same sex relationship relationship with my husband, Gary. What was my "gay agenda" for the day? Well..I returned a thousand phone calls, contacted the phone company about a problem with my church's telephone line, planned the liturgy for next Sunday's worship services, prayed for my conservative brothers and sisters as well as the bishops of my denomination and synod, met over lunch with someone whose family is falling apart and was looking for a sounding board, visited two people who are confined to nursing facilities, met with a colleague to discuss what happened in Minneapolis, shopped for dinner, and met with a couple to plan their wedding. Oh, yeah, that's really subversive!

It should come as no surprise to many that my days are spent being Christ to others and serving them with humility and grace. Why is it that conservative people just don't get this? All they seem to be able to picture is me having sex with my husband. Hopefully, once day, they'll be able to get past this and we can work together, side by side, in spite of our differences. The only "agenda" I have is reminding people that God loves them and dedicating myself to being an advocate for those who are poor and oppressed.

Here's a video from Churchwide Assembly from the Goodsoil worship service that occurred the night after we passed the Sexuality Statement. I wish you could have been there. The place was packed and the love and spirit I felt in that room as I processed down the aisle almost knocked me over. I am SO proud to be a pastor in the ELCA. I must confess, I considered leaving several times but now, I'm finally home. Thanks be to God!