A Message from Mitch: On Invitations & Action
This past week, my primary focus has been invitations. Getting the information about Room for All’s 2025 National Conference in Holland, Michigan in front of as many of our supporters as possible is my goal!
I also completed artwork and sent to print cards on behalf of my wife, Cameron and I, who are celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary this September. For same sex, queer and transgender couples, our marriages are a hard-won right. Rev. Brandan Robertson recently wrote in his new book, Queer and Christian, that the majority of churches in America will perform same sex marriages now, which I personally do not know to be true. It wasn’t in 2020 when we scrambled to legalize our relationship. Current events back me up on my perception that we’re further behind than that, and heading backwards. While Kim Davis’ appeal to the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges and leave marriage equality up to state law hasn’t been accepted yet, the threat is imminent. Only 17 states have it protected on their books, should the decision be overturned.
Despite being New Yorkers, my household has, as many others, new challenges ahead. Couples now need to work with lawyers quickly to make sure their rights and access to one another and their children in emergencies will be preserved. That takes time, money, and access to representation, all things we cannot take for granted. My heart goes out especially to those couples who are planning their weddings now in this hostile climate. With the exception of friends in straight-passing relationships, I’m watching timelines get sped up and guest lists get trimmed down in that eerily familiar way. Yet still, we celebrate and cherish our love, recognizing it as the sacred gift it is.
If you are clergy willing to perform expedited marriage ceremonies for LGBTQIA+ couples regardless of their religious background, start spreading that word in your community. You might consider hosting a legal clinic in your buildings, inviting neighbors who do this work to provide these essential services to your community. In this time of Pride flags being taken down and rainbow crosswalks being painted over in the dead of night, putting new ones up is an act of resistance. As it has always been, the work of affirmation requires long-term regulation, relationships and recognition of the responsibility we have to one another.
As I transition into this new role, it is my priority that Room for All meets this moment with outstretched arms and renewed connections. Whether it’s a specific resource, a messy question or just needing a friendly ear, I am here for you!
When we come together this October, workshops led by Caitlin Kefgen of MiGen, Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Elder Network, Dee Rolffs of L3 Catalyst Group and still-yet-to-be-announced presenters are bringing excellent intersectional learning opportunities to inspire us to faithful action. Our Keynote Speaker, Rev. R.R. Tavárez has an incredible story to tell, with so much wisdom for us all to take to heart as we navigate the future of our faith, in or out of the church. As we pray, listen, speak and learn in community, we’ll do it all in faithfulness to our continually unconditionally loving God.
Registration is open now at rfaconference25.eventbrite.com, based on a sliding scale. You can help us get the word out by printing and including bulletin inserts and utilizing the National Conference Social Media Take Kit, with graphics and captions ready-to-use on your personal and congregational social media accounts.
Jesus didn’t wait for things to be exactly right in the terms of empire or society to begin His ministry of radical acceptance and love out loud in the public square. He acted under threat every day, but He still showed up. While I wish the days we’re in were different, His is the example I hope we will continue to follow together.
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