It Was Transforming: Vioces United

[BruceChris]

Hello again. I just returned from the "Voices United" conference at the local United Methodist Church. It's more like a cathedral, actually. A lot of clergy, and GLBT leaders were there, including Mel White, and Haven Herrin. A lot of very passionate people. There was much discussion of where and how the mainstream and conservative churches had gone wrong. Much talk of how many of us had been terribly hurt, and how our trust had been violated. Much talk of reaching out to them, and very little of simply placing blame.

It was a very beautiful, wonderful experience, listening to all of the presenters, and getting to meet all of the thoughtful, passionate, and truly committed leaders there.

Haven Herrin showed herself to be a person of truly exceptional wisdom and maturity for her age.

Mel White was at the top of his game, and truly in his element.

There were many other presenters there, with educational credentials, passion, experience in the movement, and some very well thought out presentations.

But there was one woman who was head and shoulders above all of them. Passionate and Charismatic, this woman was on fire. Her name is Chris 'Christine' Smith, a published author, and tenured professor at the United Theological Semenary here. One of my experiences of her is that she can have a truly terrifying presence. Edit: By this I mean that she can say things that suddenly cause me to see myself in ways that do not feel good AT ALL. But that is NOT a criticism, indeed it is a rare compliment. And there are many wonderful sides to her; She is a beautiful child of God/dess.

After listening to many stories about how many mainstream persons religious had quietly gone against the teachings of their own denominations to reach out to LGBT people, and stand with them in times of need or solidarity, I have come up with a synthesis of what I have learned from this conference.

"There is hope, in the knowledge that the truly loving leaders and participants in our churches, do not always take the pronouncements of the fearful (leaders), all that seriously". -- And I have decided to change my signature from a self-righteous one to a loving/hopeful one. I can use it more often!

God's Love, God's Peace, and God's Truth, Bruce Chris

[Zerbie]

That sounds so uplifting, Chris!!!!!!!

I bet I would have enjoyed it too.

[andrewlittle]

Hi Bruce,
Thank you for the welcome.
Chris was one of my professors at United. I attended three seminaries to earn my MDiv, and Chris is one of my all-time favorite teachers. Passionate, extremely intelligent, and wow - can she preach. I can see her being scary - but in the best possible way I can think of.