Hello, My name is Jan

[LightGoddess]

Greetings!
I am an Interfaith Minister and Relationship Coach/Counselor....I am also involved in breeding and rescuing Chinese Shar Pei. Although my personal Partnerships have always been with the opposite sex, I have the deepest of conviction that all pathways and expressions of love, all connections are Sacred. I have never understood the concept of only recognizing "traditional" partnerships (opposite sex couples) as acceptable. For me, Divine nature is INCLUSIVE, not Exclusive....thus all unions based in love are divine. All families valid and precious in Divine eyes.

I am deeply disturbed by social, religious and political trends that seek to so narrowly define what makes a Partnership Sacred.....or even legal. To so narrowly define what makes a Family. The enforcing upon a society of such a small and limited model of "Family Values" seems to me to be, well, not the actions of an enlightened society. It apears that our society is de-evolving....sliding into a dark age of fear, judgement and condemnation. I fear for a Society run by such small, closed minds that seeks to dictate the values of it's people.

I live in Spokane, WA....just moved here from Las Vegas. Have been watching the opposition to the Domestic Partnership bill here in Washington. First off, to me, I feel this bill was a consolation prize anyway, as Marital Partnerships should not be limited or defined beyond two adults seeking partnership. IMO, In the Civil sense a Marriage is a simple contract of partnership between 2 individuals. The gender(s) of such 2 individuals has no real relevence in the Civil sense. Or at least it should not. I just feel this is a violation of basic civil rights and the undue influence of religious views on the system which violates separation of Church and State.
That being said, the opposition and arguements for such was such a disappointment to see. Thinly veiled, Religious Rhetoric. Sigh!

Now, I respect all belief systems....even those I do not agree with. If I do not like a Religion's Doctrine, I simply do not embrace such. If a Religion chooses to be exclusive and only embrace same sex couples and "traditional families", that is between them and God. If the choose to worship chickens from a planet in another galaxy, that is also their right. To each his own. Yet, IMHO, inflicting such belief systems upon a Society, thru manipulating it's laws, is a violation of religious freedom. A violation of Civil Rights....a violation of HUMAN Rights.

If individuals do not believe in same sex Marriage, they ought not take a Partner to Wed that is the same sex....as is their right. Yet (again, IMHO) to dicate such personal belief to govern the choices/rights of others is NOT their right.

Uh, so....here I am!

Ok....(she leaps clumsily from her soapbox). Anyway, I am glad to have found this forum. I am honored to be here among you. I would really like to see our society move back toward enlightenment and true Sacredness of united diversity.

Blessings to all!!!

Rev JL Wortham

[andrewlittle]

Originally Posted by LightGoddess

If individuals do not believe in same sex Marriage, they ought not take a Partner to Wed that is the same sex....as is their right. Yet (again, IMHO) to dicate such personal belief to govern the choices/rights of others is NOT their right.

So simple! So clear! What are they missing?

Ok....(she leaps clumsily from her soapbox). Anyway, I am glad to have found this forum. I am honored to be here among you. I would really like to see our society move back toward enlightenment and true Sacredness of united diversity.

Blessings to all!!!

Rev JL Wortham

As one who has a deep love, possibly approaching a fetish, for soapboxes, I thought you dismount was quite graceful.

As a minister, I am overjoyed with the new presence of several other ministers on the forums. Jan, I am happy you are here. We share many beliefs, it seems, although I am a Presbyterian - you know the Frozen Chosen who can't seem to get their knickers unwadded when it comes to people who love differently than the majority.

I will keep fighting, however, until (hopefully) the denomination embraces all forms of loving and living into the image of God, as opposed to the present state of elevating their own hate to Godliness.

Welcome, Jan. I hope your stay will be long and fruitful.

[Daniel]

Hi Jan- A hearty and heartfelt welcome to this forum! We need more clearminded individuals such as yourself. Thanks for sharing your presence with us here. And I hope we'll see more of you in the discussions. Your insights are most welcome.

Peace.

[Zerbie]

Hey, Jan, I'm glad you're here.

Please stick around and keep participating.

[Vanessa White]

Your presence here is yet another breath of fresh air, those that want to support the LGBT community; I so appreciate your presence here. I hope that you will come around often and share your perspective. Peace and love to you,

[scott snedeker]

I just love your introduction!


I'm a Druidic Pagan. Do you encounter many of us up there in Wa.? I attend spiritual gatherings at various places. My favorite is the Short Mountain Sanctauary in Tenn. I know of some sanctuaries in the Pacific Northwest: Nonemus, Wolf Creek, and Breitenbush. Have you been to any of these? I'm planning to vist one of them this August.

Welcome to soulforce!

[Gennee]

Hi Jan and welcome to the site. Thank you for your words.

Gennee

[LightGoddess]

Namaste'!
Thank you! What a lovely warm Welcome!

Originally Posted by scott snedeker

I just love your introduction!


I'm a Druidic Pagan. Do you encounter many of us up there in Wa.?
Welcome to soulforce!

Not nearly enough! LOL

We just recently moved here so perhaps more will be encountered. One can only hope. Have done much study and teaching in that area (Druid, Pagan and the early Matriarichal culters/religions, Toltec, etc.) as well as study of other paths including Christ's teachings in the traditional and gnostic writings, New Age, Tibetan Buddhism and the Tao. So many wonderful pathways to God. So much lovely diversity! There is much in this region for Personal/Spiritual growth studies. Would love to hit some of the Ramtha workshops next year....looks pretty interesting. Would Love to take some of the CWG (Conversation's With God) workshops too. Trying to work my way to exploration of all I can. Seeking to find the common threads throughout. It is an interesting journey of discovery and growth.

Glad to be among you!

Jan

[Jennifer5]

Welcome

Nice to see another WA person around!