Here is my long overdue blog post.
I guess I can talk a bit about what I’m doing with my work. I’m the Kaleidoscope Coordinator (different Kaleidoscope than Lindsay’s placement) at the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT interests. It is mostly indirect advocacy work for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people of the Church of the Brethren and Mennonite denominations. I specifically help and encourage LGBT and Ally student groups at colleges and universities connected to these two Christian faith traditions (Allies are people that support LGBT people and advocate for their rights). On occasion, I travel to some of these schools to see what services we can provide to improve their environment so that it becomes more welcoming.
Why am I doing this work? Personally, working for Brethren Mennonite Council is important, because I’m from the Mennonite faith tradition and gay. Currently, LGBT people have minimal rights in the Mennonite church. In most congregations we can’t be members, and if we ever got in a romantic same-sex relationship, then we wouldn’t be able to serve in leadership positions. I feel called to ministry and I shouldn't have to leave the Mennonite church to fulfill that calling. I also enjoy the ecumenical atmosphere of working with multiple denominations. This work has helped to strengthen and create ties between these two traditions. We are helping the church, but sadly many don’t recognize this. Little cross denominational work is being done, which makes Brethren Mennonite Council even more important.
If you would like to learn more, Click here to check out Brethren Mennonite Council’s website.
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