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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (June 3, 2011)
OREGON S LGBTO NEWSMAGAZINE profile JUNE 3, 2011 $ now it’s time to admit we got it wrong Equity Foundation is an Oregon- about this, too. Just having somebody based organization that gives grants, in a leadership position say that is scholarships and donor-advised funds enormously freeing and helpful to to advance LGBT and diversity issues people.” in our community. “We give a little bit And how do we as LGBT people of money to a lot of organizations, of faith encourage church leadership statewide,” Cunningham pointed out. and congregations to come around to “So especially in the rural communi this new vision? “You know, 34 years ties, where there’s a lot of work still to Bishop Robinson brings the faith to Rochester, NY. ago Harvey Milk got it right,” Rob be done on LGBT and diversity is inson said, “that coming out is the sues, I think we are effecting a very most political thing you can do. And I would to the church but to the culture at large. positive change in our community.” say it’s actually the most religious thing you What will Robinson discuss? “Basically I can do. I feel that anytime you tell some At large and at home will be, first of all, talking about why we find “If we’re really going to effect such positive ourselves at this historic moment in the life body who you really are—regardless of whether you’re gay or not—it’s kind of a change like marriage equality in Oregon and of our movement,” Robinson said, “what has change that constitutional amendment,” said brought us here and why it’s important. And holy moment.” Robinson’s vision for LGBTQ^people is Peter Cunningham, executive director of Eq then talk about, and try to pinpoint, our mis to return to the church, synagogue or uity Foundation, “I think we need to hear takes and why religion is our previous obsta mosque that they left and to re-proclaim from people of faith. They are going to be cle to achieving our goals for the light. And the love of God for all people—to come part of the coalition that’s necessary, I think, then talking about, so, how do we move for out and be out to all in the congregation. to effect this positive change.” ward and are there some ways that we can do “Hopefully, it’s the thing that changes Bishop Robinson will be in Portland June that with the least amount of fallout?” JK people’s minds and hearts,” Robinson said. 29 to support Equity Foundation. He will “First, their hearts, and then their minds— speak and answer questions in an intimate Breakfast Forum: Wed., June 29, 7:30-9 because they can’t live with the dissonance Breakfast Forum at the organization’s offices a.m.; N W Health Foundation, 221 N W Second between what they’ve been taught and downtown and then, in the evening, will Ave., third floor Bamboo Conference Room; what they know in their lives when they speak at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on NW $50. Equity Fundraiser Dinner: Wed., June have a son or daughter or father or uncle 19th. The general public is invited to both 29, 7p.m. reception, 7:30-9p.m. dinner; Trin or next-door neighbor or coworker who events, but tickets are limited and going fast. ity Episcopal Cathedral, Kemp ton Hall, 147 comes out to them. And they know that all “We’ve had a lot of interest in hearing the Northwest 19th Ave.; $75. that stuff they’ve been told by the church bishop speak,” Cunningham said. “And all To reserve your seats for both events, call is bullshit.” the funds we raise are going into our general 503-231-5759 ext. 523 or email lanced@equi- Robinson has hope for the future of the grant cycle, which allows us to fund organi tyfoundation. org. church and a vision of inclusiveness for all zations that are embracing our vision of Visit justout.com for a complete transcript of former outcasts—one that extends not just diversity.” the interview with Bishop Robinson. ubhip.com Modern Quality Colorful Italian Inspiring Fashion -4 Pride in Faith Forward A message from the Community of Welcoming Congregations’ Reverend Tara Wilkins Intelligent When Just Out caught up with the Rever- of the least churched states in the country.” end Tara Wilkins, executive director of the The CWC is a ministry of more than 110 Community of Welcoming Congregations, congregations and affiliated organizations she had just returned from the Clergy Call throughout Oregon and Southwest Wash- for Justice and Equality, a biennial Human ington that are intentionally and publicly Rights Campaign effort in Washington, inclusive of LGBT people. For Wilkins, D.C. to mobilize clergy na- a|wayS a very who deliver the sermon tionwide to address issues of Sunday, June 19 at the First LGBT equality with members powerful thing to see Congregational United of Congress. a || diversity that Church of Christ downtown “It was really awesome to (1126 SW Park Ave., 9:30 have all 50 states represented ©xists within religious a.m.), Portland Pride week- and to be there together and communities ” end Prov*des a unique oppor- working in the movement, and tunity to reach attendees at then to lobby..."shared Wilkins. ' Tom McCall Waterfront “It’s always a very powerful thing to see all Park—and at CW C’s booth, the diversity that exists within religious “W hat we always get is at least three or communities. four people that are in a great deal of pain “It’s exciting that people look at Oregon as and come and look at the [member congre- a model for successful religious organizing— gations] brochure rack,” Wilkins said, not- that people think there’s something special ing a “steady stream of people” on both days, about Oregon, and we take some pride in “Folks will initiate a conversation and in the that,” she added. “That’s not bad for being one process of that conversation they tell their story of where their family kicked them out or they’ve been excommunicated. “What we’re able to do in a few minutes is attempt to be that reassuring presence that we were created to be,” explained Wilkins, and that “even though their home church may not understand that, there are places where [they] can be safe.” The goal during Pride is not to increase member congrega tions, she added, though the CWC can help match an interested person with a church. More than anything, Wilkins said, Pride is about a message beyond a Sunday sermon. “[We assure them] they’re loved—and that there’s hope.” For more information on the Community of Welcoming Congregations, which will also be present at Bend Pride June 11, visit welcoming- congregations. org. — A manda S churr Furniture 15 J S
