Name: Anonymous in Virginia

Location: Arlington, VA

This retreat has helped me stay grounded as I continue to discern my call. My prayer is that it will continue to do this for me. The retreat offers me a safe space as I become more comfortable in my queerness, within not only the church but in my life. My ministry is one of education, and I am grateful for all of the many resources to help educate others about LGBTQ leadership within the church.

Dear Friends,

This April, I’ve been offered the amazing opportunity to attend Parity’s 2016 Emerging LGBTQ Pastors Retreat. It is an incredible chance to join other LGBTQ people pursuing ministry, and recently ordained pastors in fellowship, worship and training.

Parity’s retreat gives people like me the unique opportunity to reconcile their identity and faith, and share and learn from one another in a supportive and healing environment. Within the last two years, six LGBTQ pastors from Parity’s community have been ordained -- their past participation and attendance at previous retreats helped them gain the confidence and spiritual support they needed to live into their calling.

I know I will benefit greatly from having that same life-changing experience, and this is where you come in. The gift you make today will go directly to covering the costs of travel, housing, food and training expenses for me to attend the retreat. I am truly grateful for any amount you can donate. Anything I raise over my goal of $1000 will go to help others like me reconcile identity and faith. 

With deep appreciation,

Anonymous in Virginia