Dear Rainbow Circle Friends,

It’s hard to believe this trip to Tbilisi, Georgia is coming to an end. It has been rich and full of memorable experiences and connections with kind and gracious people. It is inspiring to see the resiliency of the Georgian people even as they face society-altering legislation. As Americans it is easy to take for granted so much and yet I’ve been reminded by this time in Georgia how necessary it is to be vigilant in our pursuit of justice, no matter where we find ourselves. Where there are humans, we must be ready to work for peace.

 In addition to its welcome and affirmation of the LGBTQ+ community, Peace Cathedral (The Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia) also models a commitment to interfaith dialogue and collaborative ministry. The most tangible way this is expressed is by making space under one roof for a church, synagogue, and mosque. This interfaith commitment is also visible in the participation of people from different faith traditions during times of worship. During Holy Week services there have been Baptists, Lutherans, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Yezidis, Catholics, Armenians, and still others who contributed to the sacred moments we shared. As Holy Week unfolded the Georgian people have been gathering by the tens of thousands in the streets of its capital to stand up against a ruling political party that seeks to take freedom away from faith communities such as The Peace Cathedral.

 In light of the Christian nationalism we see ever evolving in the United States, it was a bit surprising and jarring to witness the use of the Georgian and European Union flags during the Easter Vigil. And as can be seen in the picture below, there was a young girl of the congregation that sang as a choral introit of sorts, the European National anthem.

 In light of the political context, and in light of the stories of Jesus that show the world how ultimately love and peace make space for all people, no matter what the current Empire espouses, the flags and anthem were a powerful statement to the courage it takes to stand up for what is right and to strive always for peace. The lyrics of the anthem this young girl sang are:

Europe is now united,

United it may remain;

Our unity in diversity

May contribute to world peace.

My prayer is that AWAB, with your ongoing support, can keep standing up for what is right; for the inclusion always of all people in the life of local congregations, LGBTQ+ folk and allies; and that we as an organization may contribute to the peace that can be experienced when we do together what none of us can do on our own.

 Please look yet for one more blog entry before week’s end. For now, thank you again for doing what you can to help us welcome and affirm all God’s children. Peace.