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Lay Network Update -
Racism
In the last Lay Network Update, I referred to women suffragettes who worked to get the right to vote during the 1918-1919 pandemic and how it was inscribed into the US Constitution in 1920. What I neglected to say was that black women also worked at that time to get the vote, but black women didn't get the vote until 1965. My neglect was not intentional but ignorance can still be hurtful. The latest uprising with the George Floyd murder and "White Fragility", a video on YouTube, has given me insight into my own white privilege patterns. I do feel shame, I do feel guilt but staying in that mode will not be helpful. I will listen and absorb and "When you know better, you do better" will be my mantra in going forward.
Are pronouns really necessary on nametags?
That was my question over a year ago to a staff member of Wisdom Ways, a Center of Spirituality and a CSJ ministry. The staff member replied with an emphatic, "Yes." "Then I need more education" was my response. And what an education I got. The next series of classes at Wisdom Ways were on Inclusive Grace, We were introduced to one of our teachers, Nancy Corcoran CSJ, who like a "Farmers Insurance" ad knows a thing or two because she has seen a thing or two. After graduate work at Harvard Divinity School, she went on to serve as chaplain at various schools. She is presently ministering with transgender, gender expansive, intersex folx and their loved ones. Those classes opened my eyes and I think they could open yours too.
CCCR issued a statement a few days ago on the Bishop's Guidelines on Sexuality for schools and parishes (See CCCR website). We were stunned by the ignorance of the bishops, and the exclusion from grace for anyone outside of binary male or female gender. The reality of biology does not line up with just male or female sex. It turns out that I'm not the only one that needs more education.
We want to provide education for our readers who want to understand the complexity of trans. If there is enough interest, we will work on having some virtual classes where you will be able to ask questions and become aware of why there is a need for pronouns on nametags.
Please leave your name if you are interested in virtual classes and we will get back to you.
CCCR Board
Nancy Gotto - Chair
Gottonancy@gmail.com
952-451-6947
Still living in joyful hope,
CCCR Board
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