What I Learned at Gay Pride

Last updated on: July 2, 2014 at 8:03 am By Andrew Marin

— This post is written by Michael Kimpan, our Associate Director at The Marin Foundation. You can read more from Michael at his blog here – and his book, Love Never Fails :: Building Bridges Between the Church and the Gay Community will be available for pre-order soon (2015, IVP). — Last year, I wrote a blog post about my experience participating in The Marin Foundation’s I’m Sorry Campaign as we stood in front of these protestors during Chicago’s Gay Pride Parade. <sidenote :: if you’re unfamiliar... Read more

Parents, We’re All in This Together

Last updated on: June 30, 2014 at 9:17 am By Andrew Marin

In June The Marin Foundation partnered with FreedHearts Ministries and Unconditional Ministries to host our first ever conference for Christian parents of LGBTQ children. Parents came to hear from, worship with and experience community with other Christian parents who are learning to love their children unconditionally without having to sacrifice their faith. The weekend included speakers, praise and worship, group sharing times and a Q&A panel discussion. Staff member Laura Statesir described her personal journey as a LGBTQ Christian child and shared findings and advice for parents from our Christian parent research study. Below is a description of the conference in the words of some of the parents who attended so please keep reading. Read more

Why the “I’m Sorry” Campaign? –Part 3

Last updated on: June 27, 2014 at 9:19 am By Andrew Marin

While I've participated with the campaign several times in the past, last year was my first time being stationed in front of the "God Hates [everybody]" protesters who create a dark spot along the parade's route. While a few parade-goers choose to ignore the protesters as best they can, the verbal assaults those protesters hurl out prompt many to react in anger. I would frequently watch people go from a cheerful face to an angry snarl within moments of seeing the protesters. Then when it dawns on people why our group is there in our white "I'm Sorry" tee shirts, their attitudes quickly shift and suddenly there are smiles, hugs, and even thankful tears. Read more

“What Are You Sorry for, Anyway?” Part 2

Last updated on: June 25, 2014 at 9:31 am By Andrew Marin

Today’s post is from our friend Tami Moberg, who’s continuing our I’m Sorry series, and sharing her own answer to the frequently asked “So what are you sorry for anyway?” Come back Friday for another I’m Sorry guest post from a friend. See ya Sunday! I never dreamed 23 years ago I would be at the Gay Pride Parade in Chicago with my son Ben. I’m not sure many moms would guess that that would be part of their journey... Read more

“What Are You Sorry for, Anyway?” Part 1

Last updated on: June 23, 2014 at 9:30 am By Andrew Marin

I’m Sorry. Such simple words that can be so hard to say. I’m Sorry. You can tell the difference between lip service and it coming from the heart. 2014 will be my third pride parade and my third year participating with The Marin Foundation and their annual I’m Sorry Campaign. Read more

Living in the Tension 6/23 – Pride Parade Planning Meeting

Last updated on: June 20, 2014 at 8:17 am By Andrew Marin

If you live in the Chicagoland area please join us for our upcoming Living in the Tension gathering on Monday, June 23rd. We will meet at 7pm in Room 124 at 5255 N Ashland Avenue. If you’re available beforehand, we will meet at Lady Gregory’s on 5260 N Clark St at 5:15 pm to grab a bite to eat and hang out. This week’s gathering is a planning meeting for those wanting to participate in the “I’m Sorry” Campaign at the Chicago Pride... Read more

The Bible’s Answer to the Problem of Sexism (Part 2)

Last updated on: June 16, 2014 at 2:54 pm By Andrew Marin

The following post is by Jason Bilbrey, our Director of Pastoral Care here at The Marin Foundation. You can read more from Jason at his blog, www.jasonbilbrey.com or follow him on Twitter at @JasonBilbrey. In my last post, I talked about sexism as the possession of women. It’s an attitude of gender relations that dates back to the Old Testament. We see it in the commandment against coveting thy neighbor’s wife. We see it in the laws to marry your rape... Read more

Why I’m Interning at The Marin Foundation

Last updated on: June 13, 2014 at 10:16 am By Andrew Marin

The following post is by Ian Brown, student at Moody Bible Institute, and a summer intern with The Marin Foundation. After telling people I was interning with The Marin Foundation I got one of two responses: 1. “Oh wow, that’s so interesting and I think it’s great they do that!” or 2. “Oh wow, but you don’t condone that sort of lifestyle, do you?” The Marin Foundation, of course, seeks to build bridges between the LGBTQ community and... Read more

The Trevor Project @ Roscoe’s Tonight

Last updated on: June 9, 2014 at 11:36 am By Andrew Marin

For tonight's Living in the Tension, we've brought The Trevor Project to Chicago for a special (and FREE) presentation on the role faith communities can play in saving lives. Join us at Roscoe's (3356 N Halsted St, Chicago) at 7pm. For more information see our Facebook event page. Read more

Special Living in the Tension Gathering: Preventing LGBTQ Teen Suicide

Last updated on: June 4, 2014 at 8:47 pm By Andrew Marin

Christian communities today are beginning to realize regardless of their theology and beliefs about sexuality and gender identity there are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth in their congregations. These LGBTQ youth sit in church pews, attend youth group and sing in the choir. Some of these young people feel accepted and loved by their families and faith communities. However, many of these youth feel rejected, completely alone, and very afraid… 3 Facts about LGBTQ Teen Suicide*: Suicide... Read more