Queer Faith and Storytelling: Pastor Rebecca Anderson's Journey
I think, um, I think you know, I've said to you, and I've said plenty in public, that certainly my experience of church there and definitely what I'm trying to do with church now, my experience of church then was that it was a fresh translation and I didn't know or remember enough to think of the story of The Day of pentecost, where people heard the stories about god, like each in their own language.
What happens when faith, queerness, and storytelling collide? In this episode of 'a queer chaplain', Bonnie Violet sits down with Pastor Rebecca Anderson, a dynamic faith leader in Chicago. Rebecca's journey is anything but ordinary. From starting a church from scratch with a friend to creating a queer storytelling bar church, her path is filled with creativity and resilience.
Her Sunday mornings are spent at Bethany, a progressive-traditional church, while Sunday evenings find her at Gilead, a unique blend of worship and storytelling on Chicago's north side. Rebecca's story is not just about leading congregations but about redefining what church can be. She opens up about the challenges of being a queer woman in the church and how she has navigated these waters with grace and determination.
The conversation touches on the impact of COVID-19 on church services and the comforting role familiar rituals play for those returning to faith. But it's not all serious talk. Rebecca's love for making biscuits and finding the best juneberries adds a delightful touch to her narrative. The episode also dives into the intersection of faith and storytelling, revealing how stories can heal and bring communities together.
Rebecca's work with Earshot, where she runs storytelling workshops, showcases her belief in the power of narratives to transform lives. The discussion wraps up with a powerful conversation on dismantling systemic racism within the church and the importance of listening to diverse voices. If you're looking for an episode that blends spirituality, queerness, and heartfelt stories, this one's for you.