Life. Laughter. Joy. These aren't typically things that Christians think about during Holy Week. Oftentimes we become focused on pain, death, crucifixion. But we know how the story ends. Death does not have dominion. Love does. Fear does not overcome us. Love wins. In life, death, and life beyond death, God is with us.

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, be with you in the coming days.

 

Rev. Youtha Hardman-Cromwell speaks in the panel discussion. Photo by Neill Caldwell.

The event was co-sponsored by Altar for All Virginia, Virginia Reconciling United Methodists, and the Virginia Chapter of Black Methodists for Church Renewal.

Despite the United Methodist Church's policies against gays and lesbians, people of faith from all over California and neighboring states will be celebrating a "Season of Love" this coming May-a call for acts of love and support for full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in The United Methodist Church.

Nikki and Kira, two United Methodist women, will be married on May 17 at Wesley United Methodist Church in San Jose by their United Methodist pastor -even though their denomination forbids it. Hundreds of supporters plan to gather outside the church to hold a "Circle of Love" for the brides, for The United Methodist Church and for all UMC pastors who wish to preside over same sex weddings in The United Methodist Church. "We will stand, sing, and pray as a cloud of witnesses in solidarity with congregations desiring to open their church to all loving couples, and in support of all United Methodist pastors who simply want to fulfill their pastoral duties to all of their parishioners," said Rev. Judy Shook, the organizer of the Circle of Love.

Nikki, a third generation Filipina-Chinese American woman, and Kira, a Filipina-Palestinian American met and grew in their relationship through their work for justice in the church. "It is important for us to be married by our own pastor who has supported and mentored us in The United Methodist Church," said Nikki. "It is also important that we be married in front of our families, who have been an unbelievable support system throughout our lives. We have a kasama love, which in Tagalog means 'my partner in struggle.' If we weren't involved in justice work we would still love each other, but this has deepened our faith and love. And it is important to us that this is shared with our community."

Beginning with Nikki and Kira's wedding on May 17, United Methodist supporters are asked to post their weddings and other actions supporting full LGBTQ inclusion on the Season of Love website and stand on the side of love until The United Methodist Church stops discriminating against its members and pastors. To learn how to support Kira , Nikki and their United Methodist pastor on their wedding day, May 17th, go to the Season of Love website.