Moral discernment

As the mainline Protestant denomination that is out in front of the movement for full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the church, the UCC is often portrayed in the media as some peculiar exception to “what Christians think” – or ignored altogether. So I thought this development was an encouraging sign:
It [...]

Equality and justice for all

Published in the Loudoun Times-Mirror, June 17, 2010
In a few weeks, we’ll celebrate the Fourth of July and recall a Declaration of Independence that says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all [people] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, [and] that among these are Life, [...]

Iowa Supreme Court affirms religious freedom

The unanimous ruling this morning from the Iowa Supreme Court is a resounding affirmation of religious freedom. Faith communities in Iowa that celebrate the sacred covenant of marriage for all couples, regardless of gender, will now be able to convey the same legal recognition when solemnizing those unions as do faith communities that only celebrate [...]

When you pray, move your feet

This Saturday we will be hosting a screening and discussion of The Asphalt Gospel, a film about Crosswalk America’s 2006 journey from Phoenix to Washington DC:
On Easter 2006, six ordinary people left their homes, jobs and families for a journey on foot into the heart of America. Their intention, as Crosswalk America, was to start [...]

A tale of two Christmas services

I don’t think I can let this Epiphany season conclude without sharing this small “aha” moment. My partner and I have occasionally attended services at another church in our community, the Lovettsville Community Church. This congregation used to be known as the Church of the Valley, founded by Pastor Jay Ahlemann. It’s the church responsible [...]

Looking Back to Laramie

The following essay was published in the current issue of Plainviews. It is reproduced here with the permission of the author, a cherished member of the St. James community.
St. James will commemorate the tenth anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s murder during our worship service on Sunday, October 17.

Rev. Penelope Thoms on a chaplain re-called
Almost ten [...]