(This is the redacted Facebook announcement )  -- YOU CAN SKIP DOWN TO THE GUEST BOOK OR SIGN UP TO RSVP

I need 1000 hands laid on me

 

💕The Announcement 💕 + the Why💕🥳

Two weeks ago I decided to take the plunge and get ordained online. I respect the fact that each denomination and faith tradition has their own process that creates accountability and a level of professionalism that is needed for ministry. What I do not appreciate, however, is that no other faith tradition has a process as difficult and as elitist, with as many barriers, as Unitarian Universalism. That's just a fact. And as you all may know, I am in a very front-facing position that deals with ministers in formation now within our faith, so I can say this as a fact. And with that fact, no one else has as many Black people go through seminary and not end up in pulpits. (Disabled, poor, and neurodivergent too)

 

If I was Christian, and going that path, I would've been ordained 20 times over, after doing my trial sermon and calling it a day. The fact that I was still holding onto their ordination as a goal to do proper ministry is something that I just do not have time for right now. And it's not that I'm not wanting to put in the legwork, I don't have time in the same way that Maxine Waters doesn't have the time. I have ministry to do and nothing is actually stopping me from doing it. I do it. Most of you call me Rev already and don't have any type of context for why I have to use "minister" instead of reverend.... What you do know is that when you ask me to marry you or bury you I have to keep saying no... so no more of that. The ultimate focus on ordination in the UU world is actually more of a distraction and more of a place to get caught up in ego, for me, because as unnecessarily hard as it is, I know  that I am ordained by the people I serve. 

 

 I am ordained by the people I serve. 

 

⚠️✨The Disclaimer + The How ✨⚠️

I do want to say that this decision does not reflect my organization. With that being said this is not a declaration that any others who are Facebook friends with me here should take the same path because, just know, that it can be seen very negatively within our faith to do it like this II you still want to go through their process. But I know that I am accountable to you all and I will still remain accountable to you and the people I serve. I also have some colleagues that I have worked out a co-accountability agreement with. 

 

🔥🔥😍The When 😍😍🔥

I will be planning an ordination service to be around my birthday (March 6ish ) [ MARCH 8, 7-9P EST].  In true fashion, I invite you to come shake something for my karaoke ordination party. I am looking to collect 1000 people in my lifetime who can lay their hands on me, and I hope that that includes you. 

 

🥂🥂🥂The How 🥂🥂✨

Faith traditions lay their hands on clergy as a way to publicly show their support for a minister's call and to commit to being in their life for support. Because my service to you all, my commitment to my ancestors, and the Spirit are what has truly ordained me, I need YOUR hands, at this time and not those of the institution. There may be a time and place for that, but it is not here and it is not now. Now is the time for me to receive your blessings. 

 

If you cannot make the event in March, a virtual guest book will be available! May you all be blessed and know that you are loved.