She wants to be a lizard.
Filed by: Father Tony
November 13, 2008 1:30 PM
http://www.bilerico.com/2008/11/she_wants_to_be_a_lizard.php Dear Father Tony,
It's pretty clear that the LGBT community is angry at organized religion and quite justifiably so, especially in light of recent events. But there are plenty who desire to be received into a loving congregation. More and more churches are recognizing the need to be intentionally welcoming and inclusive.
Let's say you've been given access to the senior pastor of a large metropolitan church whose membership is, for the most part, white, educated and conservative. What gay members may be present are well-closeted. The pastor wants very much to have his church to be open and affirming, and he is willing to guide his congregation in the process.
4. I know it may seem overly political, but if it was me doing what you are doing, I'd want that initial core group to look and act as mainstream/conservative as possible. I'd be approaching the men in the grey flannel suits and the ladies in beige. I'd save the drag queens dripping in rhinestones and staggering under 30 pounds of sprayed blonde bouffant for later. I know this will get me in some trouble with the people who didn't like dropping the "t" from LGBT proposals, but it's the practical me speaking here. I know what it takes to make even the smallest of changes in a church. It's a delicate business. If you are not willing to make these kinds of compromises, don't waste your time and the time of your pastor. In other words, don't wheel a statue of Richard Simmons into the sanctuary (although there are probably a good number of blue-haired ladies in the front pew who'd love that.)
