"Don't fear conservatives, especially those who don't want you to talk about social issues, about thorny subjects, in the way the world needs today.  Don't be afraid that those of us who talk about these things have become Communists or subversives.  We are only Christians, taking from the gospel the consequences that today, at this time, humankind, our people, need." -- Bishop Oscar Romero, 1977

It's hard to believe this was written in 1977 because it sounds like it was written yesterday.  Advocacy work in the church is ALWAYS hard work.  There are those in our congregations who don't like change no matter what it is.  There are those in our congregations who cannot look at LGBT equality as a human rights issue.  For them it just "feels wrong."  No amount of logic will be able to convince them otherwise.  There are also those who insist on demonizing us because we believe that LGBT people of faith are beloved children of God just as much as our straight brothers and sisters in Christ.

The good news is that some people are getting it.  They come in all ages, races and socioeconomic backgrounds.  They understand that being gay is simply a part of who we are.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  Some days are really tough as we strive for equality in the church but we continue the fight because we know it is what Jesus would do.  So, take heart, and let us keep our eyes focused on the future.  The world desperately needs the church to birth something new....a gospel of radical inclusion for ALL of God's people.  We cannot settle for anything less than this.