What We’re Witnessing: January 2025

For over 40 years, Reconciling Ministries Network has defended the rights and sanctity of queer and trans lives.

That defense has taken the following forms:

• Activism and public protest
• Organizing legal defense funds for clergy under attack
• Equipping congregations of diverse theological backgrounds to become increasingly inclusive
• Shepherding ministries through the Reconciling process, creating a network of almost 1,500 LGBTQ+ affirming ministries around the world.
• Throwing our weight against the doors of the UMC in coalition with other justice-seeking organizations

What we’re witnessing are the violent thrashes of an old paradigm – one that wields ungodly influence and power but that knows its end is now conceivable. 

Among the legislative evil done this week are:

• Attempts to erase trans people and identities from the government, public life, human services, and legal recognition
• Efforts to end refugee resettlement in the U.S. – a basic program of human good-will
• A recommitment to tearing apart families seeking shelter in the U.S.
• The abandonment of international climate change agreements

Know that Reconciling Ministries Network remains committed to the life and liberation of all of God’s LGBTQ+ people – in their diverse backgrounds and bodies. We will not abandon the project of securing every church and every community as a place where LGBTQ+ folks belong.

For the time being, let’s keep this in mind:

1. The chaos and the terror are the point.

We build resilience in relationship. The chaos and the terror of the incoming regime are designed to make us feel afraid and alone. They signal to regime supporters that the regime deserves their gratitude and support.

We will feel afraid because the harm is real. But you are not alone. At any point, at any time: remember that you are lifted in prayer. Lawyers are mounting their legal defenses. Counselors are taking their seats as their hotline shifts begin. Pastors are preaching courageously to soften hearts of stone. You are worth fighting for.

2. In times of crisis, humans come together. So, lean into your human nature and love recklessly, fiercely, in the face of despair.

You may have heard before that “no one is coming to save us.” And yet, history shows us that, time and again, we come to each others’ aid. We get creative about resistance. We do not let despair have the last word.

3. Take lessons from those who’ve experienced apocalypse before. 

The pain of others, past and present, can never be reduced to lessons for our benefit. 

And, those of us unaccustomed to large-scale crisis have much to learn from those who’ve experienced colonialism, political uprisings, natural disasters, genocide, the disappearance of staple foods and ecosystems, the silencing of language, and more.

4. Put your finger on the pulse at the intersections of your communities. 

We get free when we all get free. Jesus did not have only one beatitude. Nor did he only exhibit empathy for some at the exclusion of others. 

Jesus knew that people experience different forms of oppression through our different circumstances and identities. 

5. Do not cancel one another so swiftly that no one is left standing in your circle.

Practice gratitude for the people and circumstances that have taught you. That can take the form of extending grace to those who are just now learning what you’ve already learned.

In the long haul of building the kingdom of God, we need one another. We raise one another.