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Dear Pastors and Preachers, Many of you (us) have been taught a falsity about unity. We have been taught that to lead is to make equal space for all people, regardless of political difference and to find our unity in Jesus. This has been framed as a noble thing. But before we address our churches, … Continue reading Dear Pastors, Unity Will Not Erase Your Complicity
To the Men in Church Authority who Spiritually Abused Me
This is a letter to the men who called themselves my “authorities” before I left the church. For the longest time you’ve claimed to be my protector. You’ve claimed to be the mouth of God to me. You’ve claimed to be the leaders, by birthright, that stand in strength to care for your women and … Continue reading To the Men in Church Authority who Spiritually Abused Me
Voting for the Kingdom of God
Recently, I remembered a conversation from 4 years ago, with a white friend. We were a few weeks from the 2016 presidential elections and taking the scenic route through southern Minnesota. The 2.5-hour drive through the Minnesota River Valley is beautiful (especially in the fall). But I was silently counting the number of Trump signs … Continue reading Voting for the Kingdom of God
Christian Unity Doesn’t Mean Avoiding Political Realities
As November 3rd draws nearer, I hear not only an increase in the bitter and divisive political rhetoric as Biden and Trump vie for the presidency, but also pleas on the part of some Christian leaders to focus on “Christian unity.” To be honest, I don’t blame pastors and other leaders for wanting to provide … Continue reading Christian Unity Doesn’t Mean Avoiding Political Realities
Interrupting White Supremacy in Conservative Christian Institutions
In January I had the privilege of preaching during Spiritual Renewal Week at John Brown University in Arkansas. When I received the invitation, I thought the school was affiliated with the abolitionist hero John Brown who played an important role in leading antislavery protests during “Bleeding Kansas” before his raid on Harpers Ferry. But that’s … Continue reading Interrupting White Supremacy in Conservative Christian Institutions
Life Made Me a Pro-Choice Christian
Trigger Warning: This article includes Rape and Abuse of Women I am obsessed with life, let’s start there. There’s nothing more precious than the experience of our existence: this incredibly frail and mysteriously resilient reality through which we get to make connections that shape our souls toward love, God, ourselves, and each other. I’m also … Continue reading Life Made Me a Pro-Choice Christian