Greetings Friends,
As I was preparing to head on my way to the church this morning, I caught sight of breaking news on the TV: “US Supreme Court upholds Tennessee law banning youth transgender care.” Although sadly unsurprising, my heart still dropped to the pit of my stomach. I thought of several of my friends and peers whose transitions started in high school, affording them the ability to confidently head into adulthood in alignment with their gender identity. I thought of myself and how, while my own transition has not been medical, I was still able to explore questions of gender earnestly in consultation with my parents, my therapist, and my doctors without government interference. That freedom has now been stripped away from trans youth and their families in Tennessee, as well as the 25 other states that have passed such bans. As Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, “In sadness, I dissent.”
I know this topic is a controversial one, and some folks may interpret this ruling in a different light. However, as an Open and Affirming congregation, our call is to remain faithful and curious as we work to ensure that all people are celebrated as beloved children of God. To trust that the Spirit works within each and every one of us, calling us into the fullness of who God created us to be. I believe that respecting the journey of personal, medical, and spiritual discernment our transgender siblings go through is a vital part of living into that calling, and legislative overreach into these intimate matters is the furthest thing from that respect. I hope you join me in praying for the transgender community this week and in weeks to come, for we know that the inability to receive affirming care comes with truly disastrous consequences.
Forthcoming, there are several local opportunities to demonstrate our allyship to the LGBTQ+ community. Loveland Pride is this Friday, June 20th from 4-8pm in Mehaffey Park — it’s supposed to be quite warm on Friday, but I’m planning to attend for at least a bit to spread Christ’s love and light, and I hope to see some of you there. Additionally, Sunday, June 29th will be our Open and Affirming Sunday here at church — wear your brightest and boldest colors so we can represent a beautiful rainbow throughout our sanctuary!
Blessings to you all in the rest of your week, and I leave you with these words from the prophet Isaiah: “Do not let the eunuch say, ‘I am just a dry tree.’ For thus says the Lord: to the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, I will give, in my house and within my walls, a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off” (56:3-5, NRSV).
In grace and love,
Delaney (they/them)
Interim Pastor
