WPC Attends Delaware Pride
Pastor Eddie, Gail Stevens, Karen Palermo, Pam Jusino, Ann Lewis in Dover, DE
Reflection by Pam Jusino
We thought the downpour as we traveled from Lewes and Rehoboth Beach to Dover would dampen our enjoyment of the Pride Festival. It didn't! As the sun came out, so did our shared love of all our siblings in Christ- no matter their dress, their gender presentation, or any number of tattoos or piercings. We greeted everyone who came in front of our New Castle Presbytery tent with warm hellos and encouragement to take any number of stickers or pendants that called out to them. We told them of our sister church in Dover, First Pres. of Dover, and introduced them to Pastor Mark Parsons or to Cindy Kohlmann, one of our female Presbyters with rainbow-colored hair. Someone came up to me and told me that they liked what the back of my New Castle Presbytery t-shirt said, "Sparked by grace to transform the church for the good of the world." And we wished each attendee, "Happy Pride." And it was a "Happy Pride." And we were, "transformed... for the good of the world."
Reflection by Karen Palermo
From my perspective, the gathering was a "safe space" where individuals were not afraid to dress as some may deem inappropriate, and same sex couples could walk holding hands. But it was also a reminder of the climate we live in as I spoke with a mother who was there with her trans son. She told me that her father has rejected her son, but her love for her son is unconditional and she cannot understand how any parent can turn away their child because of their sexual orientation. And on a positive note, I recognize how fortunate I am, and it reinforced the gratitude I have for my parents and family who only showed support, and for the allies in my life.
Reflection by Pastor Eddie Jusino
Delaware Pride Festival was a moment in time to pause and reflect on the transformational progress. Yet, it was also a painful reminder that progress requires vigilance more so today when so much that has been achieved is under assault. A safe place where everyone belongs. Community celebrated. Pride affirmed. Love shared.
We thought the downpour as we traveled from Lewes and Rehoboth Beach to Dover would dampen our enjoyment of the Pride Festival. It didn't! As the sun came out, so did our shared love of all our siblings in Christ- no matter their dress, their gender presentation, or any number of tattoos or piercings. We greeted everyone who came in front of our New Castle Presbytery tent with warm hellos and encouragement to take any number of stickers or pendants that called out to them. We told them of our sister church in Dover, First Pres. of Dover, and introduced them to Pastor Mark Parsons or to Cindy Kohlmann, one of our female Presbyters with rainbow-colored hair. Someone came up to me and told me that they liked what the back of my New Castle Presbytery t-shirt said, "Sparked by grace to transform the church for the good of the world." And we wished each attendee, "Happy Pride." And it was a "Happy Pride." And we were, "transformed... for the good of the world."
Reflection by Karen Palermo
From my perspective, the gathering was a "safe space" where individuals were not afraid to dress as some may deem inappropriate, and same sex couples could walk holding hands. But it was also a reminder of the climate we live in as I spoke with a mother who was there with her trans son. She told me that her father has rejected her son, but her love for her son is unconditional and she cannot understand how any parent can turn away their child because of their sexual orientation. And on a positive note, I recognize how fortunate I am, and it reinforced the gratitude I have for my parents and family who only showed support, and for the allies in my life.
Reflection by Pastor Eddie Jusino
Delaware Pride Festival was a moment in time to pause and reflect on the transformational progress. Yet, it was also a painful reminder that progress requires vigilance more so today when so much that has been achieved is under assault. A safe place where everyone belongs. Community celebrated. Pride affirmed. Love shared.
