09Aug
A group of us worked on this issue for many years and in 2018, the full inclusion of LGBT people became the new reality in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
How did you feel called to action? How did you discern God’s will?
I am a cradle Episcopalian. In 1999, my wife and I joined St. David’s with our infant son, Oliver. Soon thereafter, 2003 timeframe, I became aware that in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, partnered LGBT people could not be ordained nor have their committed relationships blessed by the Church. Because of my background as a lawyer and an activist and someone loves the church, I came to understand that I personally needed to offer leadership to change this reality. A group of us worked on this issue for many years and in 2018, the full inclusion of LGBT people became the new reality in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
was there a moment or sign when you knew the voice of god was present?
Over the years of working on LGBT full inclusion, my working group developed a sense or a feeling that the Spirit was with all of us who were engaged in this work regardless of which “side” we were on.
what is your continuing discernment practice?
As Henri Nouwen suggests, I try to see as holy the people whom the Holy Spirit has brought into my life regardless of my feelings about them.
STORIES OF DISCERNMENT
These Stories of Discernment came out of our 2024 year-long focus on discernment as a parish. Throughout the summer, we will share these stories to inspire our community to continue to explore ways to listen to God’s call in our lives as individuals and as a parish.
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