Church elects lesbian pastor with a message of inclusion
(AP) — The Rev. Jennifer Sanders, an openly lesbian community minister, has been elected as the new pastor of Beloved Community Church in Avondale.
Beloved is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, one of the more liberal mainline denominations.
Gay rights are one aspect of social activism that the church embraces.
Sanders, 47, has a bachelor's degree in history and political science from Rice University and graduated from UAB in 1998 with a master's degree in occupational therapy.
Sander's partner is a clinical psychologist and they have a daughter who is a high school sophomore.
"There's a generation of us coming behind that first generation of pioneers who helped create that space in theology and local congregations, for us to say you can be a faithful person and be LGBTQ," Sanders said.
"The people Jesus took to task were the ones judging others who were in it for their own earthly power and profit," Sanders said.
On Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Beloved Church will host a day of silent prayer, meditation and reflection.
Sanders has discovered that silent prayer is one of the best ways to get diverse communities to unite.
On Oct. 18, Beloved Community Church will host "Voices for Racial Justice: A Gathering for Racial Justice," to discuss racial equality.
"Beloved was founded as an interracial church, open and affirming justice for the LGBTQ community, for people with disabilities, from different faith backgrounds," she said.