Hello

[Br John]

My name is Br. John-Anthony. I'm a Benedictine Monk living in Victoria, British Columbia. Looking forward to participating on the forum.

Blessings
Br. John

[BenL]

Welcome to the Soulforce forums, brother.

I was a Dominican, and my relgious name was Benedict. But that was more than 40 years ago. I have since found a home in the Episcopal (Anglican) Church and have been with my husband for 35 years. There are times I still miss the regular life even now, although I wouldn't trade it for the relationship God led me to.

I welcome your contemplative insight. You will find people of all religions and none. Most are very committed to their spiritual journeys and have much to share and teach the rest of us.

Glad you're here with us, Brother John-Anthony.

[dsdrane]

Br. John --

I was so pleased to see your message in "today's posts", and I'm very happy to also welcome you here.

It seems tremendously silly to say this (hell, check out my avatar!), but I am inspired by your focus and very much welcome whatever you are willing to share about your experience here on our fora.

Peace,

David

[Zerbie]

Welcome, BR John. I too am interested in what you have to share.

May I ask a very open-ended question? What is it like to be a monk?

[Br John]

Thank you for the welcome's. I'm not sure I can add anything to the forum at this point!! :pray:

I'm an overweight, openly gay monk in the Anglican Diocese of British Columbia (Vancouver Island and surrounding area.)

Zerbie ... you asked what it was like to be a monk? I can only tell you that it is one of the best times of my life. I've only been in vows since 2001. I'm now 60 years old and have never been happier. My ministry is mostly with First Nations People, sitting with the Elders and being involved in the healing and reconciliation process.

Some people say I'm a rebel, others call me a heretic :lol: I have an unusually big mouth for a monk and say what I feel. I stand up for what I believe and make sure that everyone knows it. I'm sure my bishop prays that I'll be given the gift of silence. :good:

As I said, I'm not sure what I can add at this point but I'll try to jump in there when the time is right.

Blessings
Br. John

[Zerbie]

It sounds like it will be fun having you here.
:)

Just now noticed you're in Victoria. One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen in my life was the Butchart gardens. When I think of Victoria, I think of flowers.

[Montanna]

I am glad you have joined us. Could you explain who First Nations People are and what reconciliation is going on? I'm not trying to be nosey (or maybe I am), I am just really curious. I have been part of the Presbyterian Church since 2001, am 65, a lesbian, and am an elder in my church. I would like to promote reconciliation in my church but don't have a mechanism to do that. I will be grateful for whatever you feel comfortable sharing. Blessings! Montanna

[antiochian]

Once upon a time, I thought of being a monk, too, though in a church less accepting than the Anglican communion. Monastery life was truly appealing to me.

Welcome! The Church and the lgbt community are blessed to have you. :)

[dsdrane]

Some people say I'm a rebel, others call me a heretic :lol: I have an unusually big mouth for a monk and say what I feel. I stand up for what I believe and make sure that everyone knows it.

:eek:

Gosh, we don't have anyone like that around here!

:cool:;):aparty::smashy::laughing::pirate:

[Welcome to Oz, Dorothy. :)]

[Br John]

Montanna ... First Nations People are equal to those called Native Americans in the U.S.

A number of churches in Canada actively participated in the governments policy of making all native children into little white people. This began in 1857 by setting up Residential Schools. The churches, being good white missionary people that they were, were asked by the government to run these schools. If memory serves .. it was the Anglican Church, RC Church, United Church of Canada and the Presbyterian Church. The last Residential School was closed in 1996. The children had their hair cut, forbidden to speak their native tongue and dressed like little private school white kids. They were abused, mentally, physically, and sexually. This is not to say that all schools were the same. ... some actually had positive experiences.

To make a very long story short, the church has much to be accountable for and are paying through the nose for their part in this whole fiasco. If you want more information ... google .. Residential Schools Canada ... tons of info.

My ministry is one of listening and learning. I sit with the Elders and make contact with many communities on Vancouver Island. We do not preach .. we listen for a change. We have much to learn from our First Nations brothers and sisters. Our primary focus is to help them to learn to trust the church again. They believe it will take about 5 generations before things can get back to normal (whatever that is).

Blessings
Br. John

[Montanna]

It must be very rewarding to do that kind of work. Your words really hit home for me. We are starting a group of lesbian christians to explore what that means. I guess one of the first things we need to do is listen to each others journey and any spiritual violence we have suffered. I find GLBT people are afraid to admit that they are christian. We certainly haven't been made to feel that we have a place at the table. Blessings. Montanna

[Gennee]

:pray:Welcome to Soulforce, Brother John. I am a transgender individual with Native_American ancestry (Choctaw). I am seeking out more information about my ancestors. I believe that my transgender status is the fulfillment of some Indian prophecy. I see God's hand in it, too. I look forward to your contributions.

Gennee

:wave::love::love::pray: