Where the Spirit Leads ---

[VickySGV]

Tomorrow and Saturday I will be a convention delegate for my church's annual Diocesan Convention here in the Los Angeles Diocese Of The Episcopal Church. It is interesting that I did not get picked to be a delegate to this in nearly 40 years of church membership, and then, three years after I came out and transitioned in my local parish where I had been a member for 20 years when I let them know what I had to do to go on with my life the chance has come. While I will be only one of about 1400 delegates, as far as I know I will be the only Trans* person there on the floor, able to vote and able to speak. I have just read and digested the agenda for the meeting which has no Trans* specific issues on it just now, but does have some issues about how to appeal to new people and to reverse the trend of loss in far too many churches. Many people who will be there do know me from prior events and I am no secret to them as to what my background is. I know that God's hand is in this that I should be called to leadership now that I am fully real in the eyes of those around me. I will meet more people and speak with them and be me, and for the most part there is nothing special that I know of that will happen. I do feel in my heart that this is just a few more steps on my own "Way Of The Cross" that has been at my feet for years. Maybe that is all it is to be for now.

As the next two days go by and I am welcomed as a leader in my regional church, I will be keeping those of my sisters and brothers who have been rejected by their faith communities and forbidden to serve in even the lowliest of positions well within my prayers. We who have been given the Gift / Burden of being Transgender by our Creator have much to offer not only the Christian denominations but to all other spiritual paths that I think exist. Changes in our churches need to be made, and ancient scriptures need to enlighten, but not enslave the present or the future. Old traditions need to be kept in ways that they translate for today. The idea that only one or two books were the work of the creator needs to be seen as a crippling hold on true justice for today and a beautiful understanding of a creation that is magnificent in its smallest and greatest visions and even the depths and expansions of the human mind.

[StephanieVikingGirl]

Hi Vicky,

That is truly excellent. It is good for churches, and other spiritual paths to accept us not only as members, but also sometimes as spiritual leaders. You have written some true words of wisdom here. As a fellow church leader (from another faith), I applaud your well deserved appointment as a delegate. Groovy!

hugs,

Stephanie

[Charlize]

Well done Vicky. The more people know that we are simply people, children of the same god they believe in, the better for all of us. Enjoy your part as you represent your congregation in the greater group. You are an amazing woman.

Hugs,

Charlize