Story of An Inclusive Pastor

Story of An Inclusive Pastor

Adam Phillips, an Evangelical pastor, moved to Oregon to start Christ Church: Portland in 2014. Nine months later, the evangelical denomination Phillips worked for kicked him out and pulled two years of funding from the church. What happened? Phillips was promoting full inclusion of LGBT Christians in the church.

Phillips and Christ Church: Portland are now members of new and inclusive congregation affiliated with the Protestant denomination of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  “Following in the way of Jesus, we hope to be a church that includes all (no matter who we are, what we think or where we come from) while trying to be focused on the things people of faith have been actively pursuing for thousands of years,” the church states on its website.

Phillips’ journey to his new congregation is recorded in a short documentary you can watch here.

Phillips said the journey should not discourage other like-minded pastors and congregants from upholding the values of inclusivity and acceptance. “The experience will humble you ― you’ll likely lose friends and support,” Phillips told HuffPost. “But it’s the worst best thing: your church and community will see a kind of transformation that is like a miracle. Inclusion is not our only ‘issue’ ― but it roots us in being a whole, healthy church for God’s glory and neighbor’s good.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/evangelical-pastor-shunned-for-welcoming-lgbt-people-has-a-new-thriving-congregation_us_5848a876e4b0d0aa037f31ad

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Worst Colleges for the LGBTQ Student

School is back in session and high school seniors are beginning the search for the perfect college. For LGBTQ students it is important to find a campus that is accepting. Hayden’s List has many colleges reviewed but Campus Pride has released the 2016 Shame List, a list of the 95 worst colleges for a LGBTQ student to attend.

Campus Pride said in a press release that the Shame List comprises campuses that “openly discriminate against LGBTQ youth in policies, programs and practices.” The Shame List includes many private, religious-based institutions. Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride’s Executive Director stated “Religion-based bigotry is careless and life-threatening. Families and young people deserve to know that this list of schools are the worst for LGBTQ youth. They are not loving, welcoming, safe spaces to live, learn and grow ― and nobody wants to go to a college that openly discriminates against anyone.”

So, who made their Shame List? Check it out here.

How LGBT friendly is your campus? Review them on Hayden’s List!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/2016-college-shame-list_us_57c45ccee4b09cd22d919071

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