On Sunday, June 16 at 10 a.m. the Broad Bay Congregational United Church of Christ, Waldoboro, will center the worship service on the realities of a few queer faith journeys.
Each person views the divine through one’s religious traditions and lived experiences. LGBTQ people have lived and shared personal stories of faith for generations but have often been excluded from the sharing of these experiences of God within faith communities. Furthermore, some have faced condemnation from the church.
"Queer Faith Stories," a photojournalism exhibit in which queer people name and own their own faith, will be on display in the church sanctuary. In the face of religious homophobia and transphobia, these individuals claim the promise that they too are blessed. The exhibit features 10 different LGBTQIA+ people from around the state of Maine, gorgeously photographed and framed, paired with personal reflections.
The photographs are shot by Keenan Boscoe, who owns the Topo Gallery & Goods in Camden, and framed by Jonathan Frost, who owns the Jonathan Frost Gallery & Frame Shop in Rockland. The reflections are edited by award-winning author and minister Rev. Benjamin Perry.
Participants in the service will include Bob Garcia, Sarah Reynolds, Elm Davis, Rachel Genthner and singer songwriter Laetitia Brundage, with each sharing a glimpse of their own faith stories.
Research continues to reveal new insights about gender identity and sexual orientation. The midcoast community is responding to the needs of LGBTQ people with a combination of curiosity and compassion as well as fear and condemnation. During the service, Broad Bay will celebrate the faithful and diverse journeys of queer people of faith and the grace of God reflected in their stories.
Broad Bay Congregational United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming Congregation.
