What do I do with this?
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@pique said in What do I do with this?:
But it seems to me that if it is at all about people being treated differently, or being discriminated against, because of how they speak, that is quite important at this particular moment in time, and maybe a necessary contribution.
Yep. That's why this particular work is very timely.
It sounds like you need to weigh the value of your work against the personal risks to yourself.
Yes, and it's hard to do that....
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@ShiroKuro ignore the first emoji. I am still trying to figure out this platform. The message was supposed to be "solidarity"
fear is the thief of dreams
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The reaction emojis are a toggle. If you decide you don't like the emoji you added, just click on it again and it will go away.
This emoji set isn't my favorite. I'll see if I can figure out if there's anything that can be done about it. Lots of things are customizable, but it does make things a bit more complicated with respect to maintenance. That's @Axtremus department; I'm a total noob when it comes to admin tasks. He's already doing so much for WTF and I don't want to add too much to his workload.
A round of applause for @Axtremus .....
When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden - Minnie Aumônier
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This is a tough situation and a tough decision. I'm not really in a position to judge. Possible post-election fallout is one reason we didn't want to be in Oklahoma any more.
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@Quirt-Evans indeed!! NY State is very, very different. In all sorts of ways. Sigh.
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I think you’ve answered your own question. If you publish you will have created a relatively constant source of internal stress for yourself, regardless of any external consequences. My impression is you’re fairly cautious normally. Is this publication worth that to you?
“I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer”
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@Mik said in What do I do with this?:
My impression is you’re fairly cautious normally.
Good point! I am usually very risk-averse.
Is this publication worth that to you?
This is the question. Once I answer it, I’ll have my answer.
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Your fear is justifiable. As an out, married gay clergy person - especially one in the South - whose progressive stances are pretty visible within the community, I know that fear well. I live with it on a weekly basis as I step into the pulpit. Today was particularly risky, as I needed to speak honestly to the congregation the first Sunday after the election. Adding to the stress was that immediately following the service, there would be a congregational meeting to review and vote on my 2025 Terms of Call (compensation package).
The sermon was measured, as compassionate as possible, but unflinchingly honest and critical of the incoming regime as antithetical to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the church's established moral/social teachings and theology. It bluntly called for a rejection of those ideologies.
It was a very difficult morning.
For what it's worth, my Terms of Call were still approved.
But I don't have any illusions. I'm sure that there will be much division and ugliness in doing my job these next several years. I/we may very well become victims of harassment and abuse, or worse, assuming I'm even able to remain in my position and we're able to remain residents of the United States without having to relocate for our own safety. It's terrifying.
Still, I have to do what I have to do, in order to know at the end of my days that I've lived up to my ordination vows and my pastoral call, and that I've stood on the right side of history. I hope you'll do the same. Capitulation is what they're counting on. If we aren't all willing to take a stand, even in the face of potential risk, they'll have already won.
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@DeweyLOU Thank you for doing your part. Every person who stands in their truth despite this election is a part of the solution.
I bet your congregation admires your integrity. What you did reminds me of Pete Buttigeig deciding to out himself right before his mayoral election, knowing that he had to, above all, be true to himself, and not hide. Even if it meant he loses the election. Of course people voted for him!
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Thank you for sharing this!
It’s tempting to say something like “my work isn’t as important as yours” as a way to excuse myself from taking the risk. But:
@DeweyLOU said in What do I do with this?:
Capitulation is what they're counting on. If we aren't all willing to take a stand, even in the face of potential risk, they'll have already won.
This is a powerful message, one I don’t take lightly.
