Name: MK Dean
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Affiliated Congregation: First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia
I attended for the first time in 2015 after a very difficult first year of seminary. I found solace in this group and I am excited to continue friendships begun then. I have never felt as safe as I did at the retreat last year. While LGBTQ identities become more visible to the church, our voices are still silenced or muffled in leadership positions. The community we have at the retreat helps us to use our voices to God's glory in a safe space.
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 $800 will go to help others like me reconcile identity and faith.
With deep appreciation,
MK