Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop is a professor emerita of education at The Ohio State University, known as the mother of multicultural children’s literature. Bishop writes about children’s literature using the image of Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors. (Perspectives, Vo. 6, no. e, 1990, Choosing and using Books in the classroom)
Mirrors offer reflections and build identity. Windows offer new views and a view of someone else’s experience and sliding glass doors offer an invitation to step into the story and be part of it. Bishop states that when children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images are negative, they learn they are devalued in society.
I love this analogy for the church. Our church. We need mirrors that reflect all images. Created in God’s Image, each person is valued, called by God, claimed and loved unconditionally in the sacrament of Baptism. This is God’s action of love.
Windows allow an opportunity for new views, to look at our siblings in Christ and appreciate who they are.
For far too long the church has only allowed the mirror image of people who look like us, talk like us, dress like us, eat like us, love like us, we have missed the rich diversity of God’s family. Especially our 2SLGBTIQ siblings. Queer folks have been devalued, mistreated, deeply hurt by our actions, as have persons of color, which is addressed by the Racial Justice Committee and the Circle for Reconciliation and Justice.
Sliding glass doors invites us to step into a new reality. The new Queer Committee of the Eastern Synod is inviting reflection, prayer and discernment. As a committee of the Eastern Synod Council, the committee will;
- To provide opportunities for education and self-awareness of queer persons, our relationships with them and the experiences of life in the church.
- To bring concerns of Queer persons before congregations on a regular basis and to equip rostered leaders and lay people with resources and support for worship, learning, and pastoral care.
- To encourage and facilitate participation in the RIC (Reconciling In Christ) process within Congregations, the Eastern Synod ministries and staff.
- To coordinate an intentional public presence at pride events across the territory of the Eastern Synod.
- To respond to current world events by calling the church to advocacy and action.
Definitions of Queer from the Committee
Queer is a term that offers a unifying and celebratory way of appreciating those whose gender and sexual orientation identities are not heterosexual or cisgender. Once a derogatory term that has caused much harm, the word ‘queer’ has been reclaimed by many in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as a way of appreciating difference instead of stigmatizing it. Some people prefer to identify as ‘queer’ instead of a specific letter of the acronym as a way to gain a measure of privacy, while claiming a place in the larger community.
Members of the Queer committee reflect;
Rev. Victoria Featherston (She/they) : Rev. Victoria hopes that the work from the Queer Committee will inspire congregations to engage in brave spaces where shared narratives will stir up in congregations an embodied theology of welcome. Victoria brings a passion for liturgy, naming the ways that the church has harmed the queer community and a Lutheran presence at Pride events.
Rev. Ralph Carl Wushke: Rev.Ralph Carl, until recently pastor of First ELC, Toronto, and the first gay pastor to be reinstated to the ELCIC clergy roster says, “the Queer Committee in the Eastern Synod is a prophetic step. There have been many advances towards erotic justice since the ELCIC adopted a new statement on human sexuality in 2011. Nevertheless, there is much work still to be done regarding education about gender diversity and sexual orientations. More congregations could embrace the Reconciling-in-Christ process. There are old wounds that need healing still. I see the Queer Committee as a key adjunct to essential work being done by other Eastern Synod committees, like the Racial Justice Committee and the Circle for Reconciliation and Justice.”
Sherry Coman: I’m grateful for this opportunity to join with other 2SLGBTQIA+ folks in our Synod to help lift up story, wisdom, and vision for how we can become a more universally and sustainably safe and welcoming church. I’m excited by the creativity and energy on the committee and the ideas that have already been generated.
Rev. Brett Ballenger: As the first openly queer person to complete candidacy in the Allegheny Synod, ELCA, 30 years ago, I have witnessed and experienced the pain the church causes as well as the life it imparts when it celebrates our varied giftedness. I am excited to be a part of this group that will foster more ways of celebrating queer folk and seeking reconciliation and reparation.
Rev. Lori Pilatzke: Healing hope that the church will someday be a safe place for everyone where God’s love flourishes
Rev. Adam Snook: I am thrilled for the opportunity to walk alongside my friends and colleagues as we celebrate the beautiful diversity which God has created. As a gay person and leader in this church, I am hopeful that this new Queer Committee and portfolio will encourage a renewed commitment to dialogue, education, healing, reconciliation, and creating safe spaces where all God’s children feel welcomed, celebrated and valued around the table.
God’s deepest peace as we reflect on our image held in God’s love and walk together to a more inclusive tomorrow.