4) What struggles have you faced in growing your congregation?
One of the biggest hurdles has been dealing with internalized homophobia in our community. A lot of people don’t respect or understand who they are, and so they hide. This is because of people like President 45, people like him will systematically repress you. They will cause you to deplete who you are, because you look at what they’ve stated about you. It’s important for us to make sure that we dispel that. If we galvanize together as people, we can pack a powerful punch. Look at how we deal with Prop 8 and marriage equality, the Stonewall riots; look at all of those things that marginalized us, and how when we came together we were able to pack a powerful punch and say “we’re not giving up” and “we’re not giving in- we’re going to stay here until something changes.”
5) Can you tell me about the In The Meantime Men’s Group, and what you mean by developing a holistic person in the LGBTQ community?
In The Meantime is not a part of Renewed. It’s a non-profit organization for black LGBT men of color. They provide holistic resources that help the community- like yoga, retreats, outings and safe places for people to go. I participated specifically by facilitating one of their group sessions, where people could get together and talk about issues in the community.
COME VISIT RENEWED CHURCH LA ON THEIR 6-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Renewed Church LA is celebrating its six year anniversary at the end of October. Join them on Saturday, October 28th for their Leader’s Lunch and Learn (for people who would like to learn how to be leaders/influencers in the LGBT community), and on Sunday, October 29th, for their full official service.
Address:
2822 W Slauson Ave
Los Angeles, California 90043
Website: www.renewedla.org
Phone:(310) 926-2198
