Name: Stephen Scott

Location: Washington, DC

Coming out had its own challenges for me as a person of faith in a mostly agnostic/atheistic gay community. This retreat is important for me to learn from other participants how their faith has formed them with their sexuality. It is also an opportunity to reflect on my recent ordination and to open my heart to the Spirit and hear how God is calling me to serve the greater LGBTQ+ community with my ministry.

Dear Friends,

This August, I’ve been offered the amazing opportunity to attend Parity’s 2017 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,

Stephen Scott