Queerly Beloved

Held at Duke Memorial UMC, we are calling it Queerly Beloved NC. From the sermon, to the prayers, to the community liturgy, to the music, the service will be led by persons who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. We seek to create a space where God's radical love for Queer bodies can be joyously expressed by voices that have been kept quiet for too long: a worship service for Queer people, led by Queer people, and open to all of God's children, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status or body capability.

The preacher for Queerly Beloved will be the Rev. M. Barclay. M (they/them) is Co-Founder and Executive Director of enfleshed, a nonprofit creating and facilitating resources of spiritual nourishment for collective liberation. M is passionate about bringing fresh and relevant perspectives to the questions, traditions, and theologies that have sustained faith communities for centuries. They have extensive experience in writing, preaching, and teaching on Christianity and its relationship to queer and trans lives, feminism, white anti-racism, and other pressing matters of justice. Born and raised in the deep south, M comes from a fundamentalist faith background and has spent much of their adult life unlearning both toxic theologies and social norms. Liberation theologies have been a key component in leading them to a more rich, loving, and meaningful relationship to God, self, and the collective. Inviting others to deepen into this spiritual and freeing work of trading in modern Christianity's greatest lies about God for a faith that "sets the captives free" is one of their greatest joys. M formerly served as Director of Communications at Reconciling Ministries Network where they advocated for queer and trans inclusion in The United Methodist Church. They have also enjoyed working as a hospital chaplain, youth director, justice associate and faith coordinator for reproductive justice in Texas. They delight in Queer community, finding the nearest hike while traveling, reading theologies, and working with stained glass.