Colin is a life long Solano County resident, having been born in Berkeley and raised in Benicia. Colin graduated from high school in 2007 and attended college at San Francisco State University where he earned his BA in psychology. He continued his education by earning a Master’s degree in counseling, from San Francisco State University, and a Masters in Theological Studies from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. During his gradate studies Colin also became a licensed marriage and family therapist. As a gay man, Colin is passionate about giving back to his community in his role at Solano Pride Center as clinical director where he is able to provide counseling and psychotherapy to members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Colin is also the minister of The Rainbow Church of The New Jerusalem, a virtual church community for queer spiritual seekers and allies.

Keywords

The Rainbow Church, Swedenborg, LGBTQ+, spirituality, psychology, queerness, mental health, community, faith

Summary

In this conversation, Sage and Rev. Colin Amato explore his journey from Catholicism to Islam and ultimately to Swedenborgian spirituality. They discuss the founding of the Rainbow Church, the intersection of psychology and spirituality, and the importance of queerness in religious contexts. Colin shares his experiences with mental health, the role of allies in the LGBTQ+ community, and the significance of authenticity in faith. The conversation emphasizes the need for community, connection, and hope in challenging times, as well as the evolving nature of the church in contemporary society.

Takeaways

Colin’s journey reflects a deep exploration of identity and spirituality.

The Rainbow Church aims to create an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Swedenborg’s teachings can be reinterpreted to embrace queerness.

Mental health and spirituality are interconnected in healing processes.

Community support is vital for LGBTQ+ individuals facing challenges.

Authenticity in faith allows for deeper connections with others.

The importance of allies in supporting the LGBTQ+ community is emphasized.

Colin’s work bridges the gap between psychology and spirituality.

The Rainbow Church is evolving to meet the needs of its community.

Hope and healing are essential themes in today’s societal challenges.

Sound bites

“I need to rise above the fear.”

“The new church does exist.”

“I allow myself to feel that.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Colin Amato’s Journey

03:02 The Birth of the Rainbow Church

06:01 Personal Journey: From Catholicism to Islam to Swedenborg

08:55 Discovering Swedenborg: A Serendipitous Path

12:01 The Intersection of Psychology and Spirituality

14:57 Queering Swedenborg: A New Perspective on Love

18:00 The Role of Allies in the LGBTQ+ Community

21:01 Navigating Mental Health and Spirituality

23:53 The Future of the Rainbow Church

27:04 Building Community and Connection

29:54 The Importance of Authenticity in Faith

33:05 Hope and Healing in Challenging Times

36:02 Conclusion: Embracing the New Church

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worshipislife.substack.com