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