Name: Anonymous in Minnesota
Location: Minneapolis, MN
First off, I've got an anxiety disorder. Being queer, geeky, and churchy are each minority identities (at least amongst my age group), but all are mine. It is AMAZING to be with a group of people where these aren't minority identities. It is more amazing to see the talent and passion that we all share gathered in one room! Getting to know these people has been incredibly important to me over the seven years I spent as a candidate; without their support, I don't know if I would have gotten through the death of my mom this last summer.
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 $500 will go to help others like me reconcile identity and faith.
With deep appreciation,
Anonymous in Minnesota