The recent news cycle has increased the frequency with which I am asked, “Where do I start?” by colleagues, parents, and pastors. Sexual harassment, violence and abuse is not only at the forefront of our national conversation, but a recurring issue in our faith communities. We have yet to adequately Read more
I’m excited to share a new resource on gender identity for youth ministers. Check out the Princeton Institute for Youth Ministry Engage blog. In this issue of Engage, I join with other scholars, ministers, parents, and advocates to consider the impact of gender on the faith lives of youth. The series can Read more
I have always struggled with what to do when it comes to rules about dress codes. Whether that was when I was working in state-based juvenile facilities that required girls to wear over-sized, donated men’s t-shirts to “cover up” and not distract the boys or in youth group banning tank Read more
Join a theological conversation related to childhood, queerness, and media studies via the Syndicate Theology blog. Here I respond to Judith (Jack) Halberstam’s book The Queer Art of Failure and the use of children and childhood as subjects and objects of ethical inquiry.
I’m very proud and honored to share my videos from the Youth Ministry Initiative at Yale Divinity School. On two different occasions we recorded short clips that address a wide variety of issues related to sexuality and gender in the context of Christian youth ministry.
For local Shoreline Connecticut folks. Join me . . . Monday, April 20th 7:15-9:00pm, Griswold Hall First Congregational Church Guilford (Corner of Church and Broad St.) Parenting in today’s world is a complex and courageous task, especially when it comes to issues of sexuality. As parents, it can be an Read more
On March 23rd, the town I live in joined Chris Herren, former NBA player turned advocate for youth substance abuse prevention, in Project Purple. The event was a success by measure of attendance and sponsored by a group called It’s Worth It, D.A.Y of Guilford (Developmental Assets for Youth). Most Read more
On Ash Wednesday, I was serving as the choir parent volunteer. The parent brings the snack, serves as the second adult in the room, and helps out as needed. With 10 minutes left in practice, the Junior Choir Director stops and informs the children (3rd – 8th grade) that they Read more
I love giving and getting presents. I am the person who wears or uses a gift immediately after receiving it. I put time and effort into choosing gifts for close friends and family. That said, I am uncomfortable with a Christmas season that inspires economic excess. As a parent, this Read more
As a white parent, I struggle with how to talk about the racialized history of our society with my white children. From the history of Thanksgiving to the events in Ferguson (and so many other cities), I wonder what I can say to my children that won’t be yet another Read more