I am Pat Luna (she/her), a cradle United Methodist, lay person, and member of Point Washington UMC in Santa Rosa Beach, FL (AWF annual conference). I’ve been a Jurisdictional and General Conference Delegate, involved in Emmaus, Chrysalis, Kairos, Epiphany, Disciple Bible Study, UMCOR and The Academy for Spiritual Formation, among other ministries.

I have participated and led countless committees at my church, district and conference. I also have served twice on the General Board of Church and Society. In 2001 and 2002, I was sent by Discipleship Ministries to Mozambique, to teach stewardship to the laity and clergy of that Central Conference. I am on the convening team for UMCNEXT and the Board of Reconciling Ministries Network and Mainstream. I am a Denman award winner. As you can see, I have given the best of my prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness to the UMC for the better part of my life.

I am committed to Resist Harm because it’s time for me to boldly stand up against the harm targeted at our UMC clergy who are either LGBTQ or allies. As a lay person, it is essential for us to stand and Resist Harm because we can do so much more than our clergy can! Our clergy are being bullied by people and organizations who are threatening complaints and taking away their credentials, call, and livelihood. I for one am willing to stand between the targets of harm and the bullies and say NO regardless of the costs. I do it because God is Love! (It’s in the Bible) and what God calls me to do more than anything else is to be loving.

So, clergy, LGBTQ siblings, I stand for you! Won’t you join me and become a part of Resist Harm? This is our time, laity! Let’s stand up for our clergy and those who are LGBTQ against the harm aimed at them. Stay tuned and please follow #ResistHarm on FB and share it with your friends.