Welcome to Brothers and Sisters, the weekly meetup for prayer* and community at Daily Kos. We put an asterisk on pray* to acknowledge that not everyone uses conventional religious language, but may want to share joys and concerns, or simply take solace in a meditative atmosphere. Anyone who comes in the spirit of mutual respect, warmth and healing is welcome.
This weekend, the City of Portland celebrated Southern Maine LGBT Pride. It is estimated that about seven thousand people of all ages, genders and orientations attended the parade and the celebration following in Deering Park. Apparently, it was the largest pride parade to date and remains the largest parade and celebration in Portland each year.
One thing that struck me was how many people of faith turned out to support LGBT rights and specifically, marriage equality. My parish, St. Luke's Episcopal Cathedral, turned out in good numbers led by our Dean, Ben Shambaugh (in his nifty purple cassock), St. Ansgar's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Catholics For Marriage Equality (represented in huge numbers) and many UCC and UU congregations as well as a local synagogue and many people of other faiths as well all came together to march in support of the basic human rights and dignity of LGBT persons.
While I know there is much support among people of faith, knowing is one thing and seeing in action is another. I cannot tell you how moving it was to see these groups and their members marching proudly, bringing a message of radical inclusiveness and welcome right to the very front of the parade. This weekend any doubters of these persons of faith's existence or intentions had the opportunity to put their hands in the wounds, so to speak, and see for themselves.
I would love to have posted some photos but my phone is not cooperating. I apologize for the brevity of the diary but frankly, I'm beat, and sunburned. But hey. It's a holiday weekend for me.
I will be around the comments briefly this evening. I wish you all peace, and you all remain in my prayers as always.
Pax,
commonmass