Season 1, Episode 8 – Honoring the Creator in Each Other: A Special Episode for Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance

Discussion/Journaling Questions

1. Exploring Your Truth: Reflect on the idea that our internal truths may not always align with our external appearances. What aspects of your inner self do you feel are not fully represented or understood by others? How can you express these truths more authentically?
2. Faith and Dignity: Bishop DeDe emphasizes the importance of meeting everyone with dignity and honor, regardless of our personal understanding or comfort. How do you practice extending dignity and honor to those who may be different from you? Are there areas where you could grow in this practice?
3. Scriptural Interpretation: Discuss how interpretations of scripture can influence our views on issues like gender identity and sexuality. How do you reconcile contemporary understandings with ancient texts? What role does love play in your interpretation of scripture?
4. Sin and Love: Bishop DeDe defines sin as rejecting love and being fear-based. How do you understand this definition of sin in relation to how we treat others? Reflect on a time when you might have acted out of fear rather than love. How can you align your actions more closely with love?
5. Responding to Harm: Consider the statistic shared about the higher risk of suicide among queer individuals who remain in church environments. How does this information impact your understanding of how faith communities should respond to LGBTQ+ members? What steps can be taken to create a safer, more supportive environment?
6. Complexity of Identity: Reflect on the complexities of identity discussed in the episode, such as the difference between external appearances and internal realities. How can embracing complexity and diversity in identity deepen your understanding of God’s creation?
7. Practicing Vulnerability: Bishop DeDe talks about the importance of vulnerability in love. How can being vulnerable with others help build more authentic relationships? Share a time when vulnerability led to deeper connection or understanding in your life.
8. Fear of Making Mistakes: RomComm mentions the fear of making mistakes when trying to be an ally. How do you deal with the fear of making mistakes or offending others in your efforts to be supportive? How can you approach these situations with humility and a willingness to learn?
9. The Role of Community: Reflect on the role of faith communities in supporting individuals who are marginalized or struggling. What responsibilities do faith communities have in fostering inclusion and acceptance? How can you contribute to creating a supportive and loving community?
10. Love as a Moral Code: Bishop DeDe suggests that loving our neighbor involves more than just kindness—it requires a commitment to justice and respect. How can you practice this kind of love in your daily life? Are there specific actions you can take to ensure that your love is genuine and transformative?

AI Disclosure: To support our small staff in their limited time, many of our episode discussion questions are first generated by AI and then edited and refined by staff members to be in line with our podcast goals and our diocesan vision and mission.