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Grace
Baptist Church in Chicago
Calls Lesbian Pastor
Grace Baptist Church, an American Baptist
congregation fully welcoming lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and
their allies, has selected Rev. Jacki Belle as their new minister. Jacki, an
openly lesbian pastor and long-time member of the Grace congregation, was the
first openly gay or lesbian person in the country approved for ordination by an
American Baptist ordination commission (a regional committee). She was ordained
at Grace in June 1999.
"I
am excited about serving this church, a place where people of all sexual
orientations and gender identities are free to worship with integrity. Our
unique ministry provides a safe space for people who question the faith of their
upbringing, who want a familiar but challenging environment. No matter what kind
of "coming out" experiences people face, they need the support of
patient and loving friends," Jacki says.
"People
need a place where they can grow at their own pace. Grace’s commitment to
providing community, combined with a casual "real people" tone,
creates a place where people experience healing and spiritual growth," says
Becky Kidd, a long-time member and leader of the church.
Jacki
sees "church" as a place for people to connect with others, explore
Christian faith together, and learn to be open, compassionate people. She’s
committed to a ministry which nurtures self-acceptance and individual spiritual
growth, particularly for those who feel alienated or cut off from institutional
religion. She brings ten years of experience in social justice and interfaith
endeavors.
Grace,
a small church of about 30 people, is a charter member of the Association of
Welcoming and Affirming Baptist, a national coalition of more than 40 American
Baptist congregations which share the commitment to welcome people of all sexual
orientations. Jacki servers as a member of the Association of Welcoming &
Affirming Baptists Council and the Steering Committee of American Baptists
Concerned for Sexual Minorities.
If
you find yourself in Chicago, drop by and say hello Jacki and members of her
congregation. Worship is held at 6 p.m. Sunday evenings at 1307 West Granville
Avenue.
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