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Dear Passing the Peace Readers, 

This Tuesday I experienced one of the most incredible things: a room full of highschool aged youth talking passionately about God, Christianity, and the church! 

I was facilitating a workshop about religious-based homophobia and transphobia at this year’s OK2BME conference - a gathering of 2S & LGBTQIA+ students from across the Waterloo region. We talked about how hurtful it can be to hear priests preaching that being gay is wrong, how confusing it can be for a Christian to talk about God’s love for all and yet still say things that tell queer people they don’t belong in the church, and so much more! 

I’m always so grateful for these opportunities that remind me that young people today are bright, curious, spiritual, and looking for safe spaces to understand their faith and learn more about other people’s faith and/or religion. 

I hope that during our church’s Affirming Ministry process we can create similar experiences for storytelling and learning together - it’s amazing what people will share when the invitation is there! 

 

This week has been a cold and blustery one! I hope that you have been able to keep safe and warm at home!

May the peace of Christ be with you as you take in the beauty and wonder that each snowflake that has fallen is unique. What a miracle that there is that much endless diversity in creation! 

 

Yours in Christ, 

Rev Michiko