Reconciling Works

By JamieAnn Meyers During a conversation with a new cisgender heterosexual friend and person of faith, coming out as trans* proved to be a relatively positive and affirming experience. They acknowledged their transphobia, but were very eager to learn about my identity as a transsexual woman.  They were supportive and could also understand how my […]

By JamieAnn Meyers, Transgender Representative and Board Member

On Sunday, August 3, 2014 I visited the Seminary Ridge Museum at Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary, the school from which my Dad received his M.S.T. in 1956.  The seminary was founded in 1826 by progressive theologian Samuel Simon Schmucker and is the oldest continuing Lutheran seminary in the Americas.

1. People of all Sexualities and Gender Identities Appear in all Population Groups Certain individuals in foreign countries claim that they did not have people of diverse sexual orientations in their society until westerners brought it to them.  A variety of sexual orientations and gender identites are present in all populations, estimated at ranges from […]

“When one congregation or a group of congregations gather for service in their local communities, they are the church in that place, taking care of that part of God’s vineyard.  But this is all work that we do together.” These are words so eloquently spoken by Bishop Elizabeth Eaton about the ELCA’s annual “God’s Work. […]

The Rev. Paul A. Tidemann, a ceaseless advocate for full inclusion of LGBT people in the life of the church and of society, died on Saturday, July 26, 2014, at 77 years old.

The Rev Anita Hill, ReconcilngWorks Regional 3 Coordinator, ordained extraordinarily at a ceremony presided by Paul in 2001, says of her long time mentor, colleague and friend, “Paul was one of the best preachers I have ever heard. A thoughtful theologian, writer, liturgist and pastoral presence, it was an honor and privilege to have served with him. Paul’s saying, ‘There is nothing that one is or one does that can set one outside the active love and grace of God’ is forever etched in my mind.”

“Today President Obama signed an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.  Significantly, the president’s order does not include any new religious exemptions.  While many media outlets have announced this news as protections for gay workers, it’s important to note that transgender and bisexual workers are also included in this order.  President Obama’s action will protect approximately 28 million employees in 24,000 companies that hold federal contracts.