Category Archives: Seat Saver Stories

“As an LGBTQ+ ally, I too was forced to leave my non-affirming denomination. Although the Catholic Church is in the midst of a grassroots revolution, the entrenched hierarchy refuses to budge. Thus, its official doctrine regarding homosexuality remains as follows: “Homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered. They are contrary to natural law…Under no circumstances can theyContinue reading “A SEAT SAVER’S STORY: LEIF TRONDSEN”

When I was coming out, I felt like I didn’t have a seat at my family’s dinner table, with my church community, and some of my friends. I wish someone would have said, “C’mon – you can sit here.” I wish more people would have said, “You’re safe and affirmed in this seat.” Seat savingContinue reading “A SEAT-SAVER’S STORY: FROM JULIE ECHOLS REYBURN”

“I believed all the right things. My theological and political opinions checked the right boxes, biblically speaking. It was how Christians were supposed to see things. How I was supposed to see things. Until it wasn’t. Until all the theological and political issues–all my correct beliefs–were dismantled. Until they were humanized. The story was soContinue reading “A SEAT-SAVER’S STORY: DANA BUTLER”

For the past four weeks now, I’ve shared a story with you about seat saving. They are each unique, but share the common goal of loving others without barriers, with attention, without judgement, and with graciousness. I loved reading Jenn’s story because it’s not just about seat saving; it’s about seat creating. It’s about creatingContinue reading “A SEAT-SAVER’S STORY: JENN MACK”

I’ve said over and over that we need affirming allies of faith to share their story of how they came to be affirming. Few of us grew up in an environment that was kind to queer people. I started by sharing my story, then sharing my friend Beth’s, and it’s turned into a series I’mContinue reading “A SEAT-SAVER’S STORY: ALICIA FICK”

I recently shared some ideas of how I thought affirming Christians could be stronger allies to the LGBTQ+ community, one being more vocal about their journey to becoming affirming. I think many of us who grew up in Church communities didn’t grow up in an affirming environment and I am no exception. After I sharedContinue reading “MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING AFFIRMING”