The Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests (BMC) has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation to assist in the creation of a new online Center for Queer Anabaptist/Pietist Studies.

The Center will serve several functions.

These include:

• Holding the sacred memories and stories of the LGBT community;
• Exploring new possibilities for a more just future
• Effectively equipping pastors and members of congregations to engage confidently and capably in the ongoing work of ministry and transforming change.

The organization envisions the Center as a place where people can grow in their understanding of LGBT lives and issues by listening to individual stories, taking an online class or seminar, downloading resources, engaging with queer scholars and artists, or connecting to the larger movement for LGBT justice.

According to Carol Wise, BMC Director, “Over the years it has become painfully clear to us that, regardless of intent, most of our pastors are ill-equipped to offer competent and effective pastoral care to and with the LGBTQ community. We hope to correct these deficiencies not only because of the positive impact that it will have upon lgbtq individuals and families, but also because we believe that this has tremendous implications for the overall well being and relevancy of a church that has practiced violence and exclusion for far too long. “

The grant will provide funding as the project is developed over the next three years.

Photo by Tim Nafziger.