The Oasis - June 2, 2021
Author: Rev. Eric Dupee
June 02, 2021
In a previous church I served, I had a conversation with a new member. He said, “One of the things that attracted me to this church was that it is Open and Affirming.” He went on to say, “I don’t fit into the LGBTQ category, but when I saw your Open and Affirming statement, it gave me confidence that I would be welcomed here.”
After talking with that gentleman, I realized I feel the same way. I, too, don’t fit into the LGBTQ category. I’m in a wonderful relationship, but I’m unmarried and divorced. I don’t have a “traditional” family. When I see that a church is Open and Affirming, it gives me hope that I will be accepted and that I won’t be judged harshly for whatever it is about me that differs from the expectations of others.
June is Pride month. I want to take this opportunity to say whatever your sexual orientation or gender identity, Jesus loves you and so does this pastor. I’m thrilled that First Parish Church takes extravagant welcome and hospitality seriously. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).”
Blessings,
Eric
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