Your not alone in this you know...

Recently I was out for coffee by a friend and was asked if I had any pastoral mentors? To which I responded,
"Yes! I actually have many mentors that I look up to and that I hope one day to emulate in ministry".
The friend smiled and with kindness in their eye stared back and then re-asked the question,
"I mean to say do you have any queer pastoral mentors?"
I began to explain about my hero Bishop Gene Robinson, and how one day I wished I could meet him. Even if only to give him a hug and say thank you from the bottom of my heart. My friend then looked back at me and said,
"Do you personally know anyone who is queer and in ministry that could mentor you?"
While I wished the answer was yes...its was more like a "yea...yeah I do...um they live in Ontario and there is this really awesome Lesbian couple is traveling in their RV across Canada and the USA since one of them no longer has a job at a church as she was let go due to her 'life style' ".

But the truth in that moment didn't escape me. While I "know of" many queer pastors, I do not know "know" any queer pastors on the same level I would my other pastoral mentors. I know of some supportive peers or people walking the same walk as me maybe a year or 2 a head or behind...but I realized that I was lacking that "Elder-statesmen or Woman" who had already walked the walk, and could offer much needed advice or even a sounding board for what lies ahead. So now I am on a mission to find people, like myself but willing and able to be my mentor as I embark on the road a head. I realize this wont happen over night and I am ok with that. I am looking forward to meeting new people, connecting with those who have gone before me, and gaining knowledge and wisdom from them as I try to make my own way.

Skakes