What I Said at the Revolution, My statement in support of 10-A, Presbytery of Central Nebraska, February 26, 2011.
(Approximate, I did not speak from a written text)
Mr. Moderator, I speak for the amendment.
I think everyone here knows that I have my past year has been very interesting.
I have learned three things in the course of this last year.
First, I have learned that I am richly blessed in my family and friends, some of those friends are in this room today. They have supported me with love and prayers and actions.
Second, I believe that God is teaching me humility. In my arrogance, I looked down on two things in this world, one is preachers who got in trouble; the other is the Big Ten.
Third, I have learned for the first time in my life, what it is to put your heart and soul into something and then to be told it is not good enough. Anyone who knows me knows that I have lived my life up to know as an adored daughter of the church. This is the first time I have known this kind of rejection. As painful as this has been, it has made me think.
My gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in Christ feel this kind of rejection every day of their entire lives. They are told they are not good enough just because of who they are. They are friends, classmates and colleagues. I graduated from seminary in 1991. I know people who were at seminary with me who are still waiting for ordination today.
Mr. Moderator, it is time to bring our sons and daughters home. We need to approve this amendment for justice. We need to approve this amendment to stand against the violence in this country. We need to approve this amendment because these sons and daughters just may be the spark of revitalization our denomination needs.
