Love in Action: Walking Together
Dear Family,
As the Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ, I want to take a moment to affirm the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their race, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we must remember that his dream of a just and unified society cannot be achieved through a color-blind and strictly binary understanding of gender. The call for a color-blind and strictly binary understanding of gender disrespects the rich diversity that makes our society vibrant and strong.
Dr. King taught us that true unity comes from recognizing and celebrating our differences while working towards a common goal of justice and equality. A truly just society must embrace all people and honor the complexity of human identity, and we WILL NOT dishonor, nor will we sit silent and allow others to dishonor, any of God’s creation that GOD made in God’s image and likeness. The assertion that there are only two genders fails to acknowledge the experiences and identities of those who identify beyond the binary. Our faith teaches us to love and accept one another as we are, and therefore it calls us to stand in solidarity with LGBTQIAN2S+ individuals, and particularly with our Trans and non-binary siblings.
Coming together to end government policies that seek to erase the identities and experiences of marginalized communities is essential to fostering a society that intentionally values equity and inclusion. We must not wait for a local or mid-term election, we have to advocate for policies that uplift and honor the voices of all individuals, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our communities NOW! We must continue to work together but together in trust and commonality like we never have before. Our togetherness must be grounded in love and justice; true love and justice for All, and all means all.
We have given much talk about creating a world where every person is celebrated for their unique identity and contributions to society, which in turn means to each of our lives in some way or fashion, but for such a time we MUST move past the talk and truly create. Exodus 31: 3-5 reminds us that God has given us the very Spirt of God that empowers each of us with the ability and intelligence, with the knowledge and ALL technique, expertise, skill, and all mastery. The key is bringing what we each have a portion of together. Together is the only way we can embody Dr. King's vision, we can carry out Jesus Justice in this world, and how we can create the environments where we all can thrive, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation; and where we not only feel seen, held, and heard but openly are.
My siblings, just as Dr. King stood with all marginalized communities in the fight for civil rights, we must stand unified for all of humanity in our fight to be humans living out our human rights. If you haven’t joined The Coalition, join us today. And if you have, now more than ever we need your commitment in action. I thank you in advance for showing up for yourself and for showing up for your siblings. One change in anything brings change for us all.
Today, and in the days to come, know that you are loved, you are valued, and who you are and how you show up in the world, no one gets to decide anything about it.
Blessings and Love,
Rev. Dr. Katrina Roseboro-Marsh