Wanted: A Church That Listens

Tom Kam's essay, "Wanted: A Church that listens," from the Washington Post's "On Faith" series offers wisdom for all of us as we consider what kind of Church we are seeking to create. Kam, a former Roman Catholic priest now Director of the Religion and Values Program at the Arcus Foundation says: "My love for my Church is inspired by people whose lives challenge us to bear witness to God's truth to our world." He speaks Francis of Assisi and Teresa of Avila. He also speaks of the Berrigan brothers who faith led them to protest against the Vietnam War. Of these religious leaders Kam says: 

"These men and women were religious leaders who possessed the courage to enter into the lives of everyday people, and in the midst of religious and political turmoil, proclaim God's unrelenting call of love, truth, and justice."

Kam calls religious leaders to listen to God's continuing revelation that can be found within the lives, love and faith of the LGBT community. Moreover, he calls the LGBT community to claim an equal moral place at the table: 

"We must also remember that we speak as moral equals, and that we speak with the strength of conviction that comes from our recognition of God's presence in our lives, in our love, and in the sexual expression of that love."