Homosexuality in the Mennonite Church

One of the primary issues facing the Mennonite Church in North America today is the issue of inclusion for homosexuals in the church. 

Granted, this issue has been discussed for a long time now; but prior to 2009, a gag order had been in place, essentially putting this particular discussion on hiatus for decade or so (that is, at the denominational and conference levels anyway. Individual congregations could still have discussions as they so pleased).

The gag order understandably came into place due to the newly forming Mennonite Church USA—presumably to allow the new denomination to settle-in after the merger from two separate denominations, and iron out all of the kinks that goes along with that before engaging in such a divisive issue. 

So, for ten years, no one was allowed to express their opinions openly concerning homosexuality…that is, until Columbus ’09.

A Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self

Dear younger me,

I know what you are thinking, what you are feeling. Even though you may not want to admit it, I know what you are going through.

I know what is buried down deep inside you which you are scared to let out. I know how conflicted you feel; how confused you are with the situation you live in; how frustrated you are that things could not be different.

Message to an Inconsiderate Reader

Recently, I have been getting some comments on some of my blog posts (FINALLY!); and one of these posts, Critique: “Gay Marriage NOT Gay Culture,” has been getting some additional attention—and not of the friendly kind.

There is a particular person (who I don’t know because he/she persists to be identified as “Anonymous”) who is being inconsiderate and overly inappropriate. He/she sent me a comment on that post—I regulate all comments that go onto this blog—which I did not publish for two reasons:

The Olympic Spirit

I do not think it is a big surprise to anyone who knows me that I am a sports fan (particularly when it comes to the sport of soccer…or as I like to call it: football). So naturally when international competitions come around every other year, invariably my eyes are always glued to whichever screen I can get them gazing upon; and this year’s Summer Olympics in London, England was no exception.

Of course there are specific events that I prefer over others, but our television was primary tuned in regardless over the last two weeks. And I would never want to miss one of my favorite spectacles of the Olympic Games: the Closing Ceremony.

The Importance of a Supporting Community

Since coming home, I have been reminded of something important, something I already knew of, but had become so accustom to that I took it for granted: Community.

A novel idea, I know, coming from a Mennonite; but do not let my sarcasm fool you. Having a support network around you to help you is very important…especially when you are gay.

Manifesto to Love

Society favors the few: the ones who fit into ALL the right categories. Only they have it easy; only they are special.