Freedom in Lent - Day 31

One of the things St John the Divine has been known for over many years is its work in Advocacy for the the full inclusion, affirmation, and celebration of the LGBTQ2SIA++ community within the life of wider church. When I was interviewed for the position of Rector twelve years ago, I was asked if I would commit to the work of bringing equal marriage to the Anglican Church of Canada, to which I responded with a strong 'yes!', and had the privilege (and sadness) of being on the General Synod of our Church the two times when votes were taken to amend the Marriage Canon, which passed at first reading and fell (narrowly, and only in the House of Bishops,) at the second. Despite that, many Dioceses, including our Diocese of Islands and Inlets, have made the decision to allow full and equal marriage for any member of the Church. 

At St John's we don't tolerate, or seek to be inclusive of, LGBTQ2SIA++ persons, we affirm all people for who they are, and celebrate the rich diversity of human sexual and gender identity. We see this as part of our work of loving and caring for all people, who are made in the image of God, and loved completely for who they are. We believe that all should be free to love and find fulfillment in any faithful, loving, mutual, relationship.

I Love You To The Moon 
not back, let’s not come back, let’s go by the speed of  
queer zest & stay up  
there & get ourselves a little  moon cottage (so pretty), then start a moon garden 

with lots of moon veggies (so healthy), 
i mean  i was already moonlighting  
as an online moonologist  
most weekends, so this is the immensely  

logical next step, are you  
packing your bags yet, don’t forget your  
sailor moon jean jacket, let’s wear  

our sailor moon jean jackets while twirling in that lighter,  
queerer moon gravity, let’s love each other  
(so good) on the moon, let’s love  
the moon         
on the moon 

                        By Chen Chen

                        from Pick Me Up Poetry

The lament of King David:

How the mighty have fallen
   in the midst of the battle!

Jonathan lies slain upon your high places.
   I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
greatly beloved were you to me;
   your love to me was wonderful,
   passing the love of women.

How the mighty have fallen,
   and the weapons of war perished!

                           2 Samuel 1.25-27