Glitter Ash Wednesday Talking Points
for Media Engagement
Call your local newspaper and TV station to cover a Glitter Ash Wednesday service that you provide to your community. Wednesday noon is the perfect time for journalists and TV crews to cover your indoor or outdoor event and get it into their outlet in a timely way.
In a time when Christians are feeling more empowered than ever to reject our LGBTQ+ family, we need to be visible and loving.
Talking Points:
What is Glitter+Ash Wednesday?
● Ash Wednesday is a day when Christians receive the mark of the cross on their foreheads to begin the 40 days of reflection and repentance in preparation for Easter.
● Glitter Ashes lets the world know that we are LGBTQ-affirming Christians. We are in the pews, in the pulpits and giving glitter ashes in the street to those who either may not have time to go to a church—or may have been rejected by a church.
Why are you doing this?
● The public face of Christianity is often a face of intolerance -- especially toward LGBTQ people.
There are millions of Christians who believe that the Gospel commands us to love, not hate. Glitter ashes are a witness to an inclusive Christian message.
● It is commonly believed that the God of Christianity condemns LGBTQ people. This is Christian “fake news” not the Good News of Jesus.
Christian condemnation is toxic, doing vast damage to queer people, especially to queer youth—and to their families who are told they should reject their children.
Photo credit: Chase Hall
● By becoming visible, we show our faith in God who empowers us and wants us to repent of hurting each other. We want people to see how important our faith is to us.
How many churches are doing this?
● Glitter Ash Wednesday is celebrated at thousands of churches
● Glitter Ash Wednesday isn’t confined just to churches - there are thousands of glitter +ash celebrations and actions in nursing homes, colleges, on the street, seminaries, bars, subway stations, drive-thrus, parks, on beaches, schools - wherever loving people are!
If someone wants to get glitter ashes, where do they go?
● People can encourage their clergy and congregation to participate
● Individuals can also get together with friends, order the ashes and hold a service
Glitter+Ash is available with instructions on how to use it and prayers for the day
Email info@parity.nyc to ask for local services and actions