hello!

[Kris Johnson]

I am new to the Soulforce site, but not new to the issues addressed. I am an ELCA pastor with a 21 year old gay son. He came out to me almost three years ago, and we have spokenly openly about his life and experiences ever since. When he first spoke with me regarding his orientation, I lived about 4 hours away from him in Northern MN. I wanted him to have someone to speak with who was local to him in MPLS and so I consulted with Anita Hill of St. Paul Ref, for guidance. On her reccomendation, I referred him to Pastor Jay Weisner of The Naming Project. He and Erik have spoken together several times. Erik has chosen St. Paul Ref as his place of worship, after attending worship there over Pride Weekend 2007.

This has been a journey for me as a Mom and pastor. I have always believed that the Gospel was given to all for the salvation of all and could never reconcile in heart and mind the use of the Scriptures to judge and exclude anyone. We are all God's children precious and blessed.

I serve a small church in Onamia MN. There are a number of families with gay/lesbian children in the community. While I have spent some time attempting to create a place for dialogue and understanding, using the schools as a starting point, I have not had much success to date. In some ways it almost feels like what the Iranian leader said at Columbia - we don't have that 'problem' here, even though I have cong. members with and openly gay son who went through the school system here.
I am now working with the county Human Rights Commission to create some kind of program for dialogue, and Pastor Weisner has agreed to help with this, once it is put together.
It's been quite a journey. I always wondered why God called me to ministry, I'm a very average pastor, but this issue (as well as the issue of clergy abuse of congregants) has been a passion for me, even before Erik talked with me.
So there you are - that's me. I welcome all insights, comments, corrections, I am on the journey and still learning.
Kris

[Zerbie]

Welcome, thanks for the hello.
You sure have a lot on your plate. It all sounds like fulfilling (if at times frustrating) work.

[Pablo Rafael]

Welcome Kris,

We love moms on these forums. As a gay son who also has a great mom, I salute wonderful moms everywhere! And we also have a soft spot in our hearts for pastors. Actually there are quite a number of pastors here, mostly they're a good addition to the forums.;)

Lutherans seem pretty scarce on the forums. I come from a Lutheran background (LCMS unfortunately) and think the Lutheran church could really become a church that has a strong Biblical stand and is open and affirming to LGBT individuals at the same time.

Be sure to post your thoughts and insights. I look forward to hearing more from you.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[Kris Johnson]

I'm glad to be here and to be supporting this forum. My son Erik is also now the co chair of his GSSA group in college. He has learned alot about speaking out in a short period of time, and its been fun to help him talk through things.

I agree that Lutheran clergy have been scarce in areas of activism. As a matter of fact, when Erik came out to me, I emailed my bishop simply asking for prayer as I tried to do what I could to get Erik some local guidance. He never even acknowldged receiving the email. This was in 2005. Last March (2007) during a conversation we had I mentioned the email and he didn't even seem concerned that he hadn't replied.

A good part of the reason I am here (on this forum) is to learn more about what I can do in my town and on a larger scale. I feel very strongly as a pastor and a Mom that I cannot stay silent, and accept the fact that my very intelligent gifted son doesn't have the same rights as his two brothers (who are also intelligent and gifted). I want to learn what God has planned for me in this arena.
Kris

[antonyh]

Welcome Kris. I was inspired by your story. Your son is very lucky to have a mom like you...it is not as easy for many of us.

[paul]

Welcome Kris,

Ya know, taking on the task of supporting gay community elevates you beyond "average pastor." "Average" pastors ignore emails on LGBT issues, or worse, use it as a negative means to raise funds.

So thank you, on behalf of all GLBT daughters and sons and parishoners.

paul

[Gennee]

Welcome to soulforce, Kris.

Gennee

:love::wave:

[Erik]

Welcome Kris, from another Minnesotan. :)
How's the ice fishing on Mille Lacs?

[Kris Johnson]

Erik- the ice fishing community has begun to spring up around the Garrison area as usual.

I have been hearing that the ice is questionable in some spots because of the snow we got before the lake had a chance to really freeze over well.

But we're seeing trucks out there, snowmobiles, etc. I am praying that I won't have to bury anymore folks whose vehicles go through the ice taking them along with.

On that cheery note, where ya from, neighbor?
Kris

[pnggrad79]

Welcome Kris! I applaud you for sticking by your son and being willing to learn. You seem to be the kind of parent that loves their children unconditionally. Thank you for being so open to something you may not understand but are willing to learn.

[Vanessa White]

Thank you on behalf of all of the children of parents, who come here scarred and battered from not being accepted by their families. It is a true joy to hear of how open and loving your soul is re: your son and his being. You really are a person of God and I feel very grateful for your presence here. Tell your son to come around if ever he is inclined as well! Peace, Vanessa :love:

[Kris Johnson]

Vanessa-thanks for the kind words. Although I know that there are many people whose parents have difficulty with their children's orientation, and many parents actually reject them, I have never understood how one could reject the child you carried, raised and love. I simply cannot make my mind go there. The God I grew up with loves all God's children, created them good, created them beloved and blessed each of us with wonderful individuality to be celebrated always. I have talked with my son about this site, and perhaps between full time college, work and singing with mom once a week, he'll have some time to check us out here.
Kris

[Vanessa White]

Cool! I am looking forward to it! Have a super day!!! :love:

[Jennifer5]

Welcome! :)