Blessed Are the Binary Breakers

Kate Davoli is a Polyamorous Presbyterian

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In 2017, Kate Davoli (they/them, MDiv) was dismissed from the ordination process for being polyamorous. In spite of this heartache, they have remained steadfastly part of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Listen — or read along in the transcript — as Kate recalls the events leading up to & following their dismissal; ponders what we learn about God through polyamorous people's lives & callings; and balances the heartache of being denied ordination with the queer gift of how their liminal status facilitates ministry to church-hurt people.

Talking Points:

  • (0:00) Intro: as Pride month ends and the PC(USA)’s General Assembly begins, we remember the work still to be done to achieve full and equal access for all
  • (6:50) Kate’s dismissal from the ordination process over being polyamorous – living with and raising children with two life partners; how being open has allowed them to find support, and be support
  • (34:00) Kate’s thoughts about getting polyamory into the Book of Order — unintended consequences; the path to ordination continues to be inequitable for queer folks, disabled folks, etc. — hence things like the Olympia Overture
  • (46:21) What Kate’s unordained ministry looks like: working within Presbyterian institutions, and
    • outside them; able to serve people hurt by the church who might not trust an “official” minister
  • (54:20) What does it mean for the church, and what does it say about God, that polyamorous people are being called to ministry? — re-shaping relationship to be more communal, less nuclear
  • (60:44) A historical role model? — Karl Barth’s own complex polyamorous experience
  • (64:36) God is not a jerk; you are not alone; wrapping up

    • ____

    Get info about Kate's ministry at www.davoliconsulting.com, or find books they've written at kdavoli.gumroad.com.

    Check out LGBTQIA+ Affirming Ministries of Pittsburgh (LAMP) at lampgh.org.

    Learn more about the Olympia Overture being voted on this week here.

    Learn more about polyamory: www.morethantwo.com/.

    ____

    This show's theme song is "Aetherium" by Leah Horn. This episode also makes use of "The Ants Built a City on His Chest" and "Know No No-Nos" by Doctor Turtle.

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    Blessed Are the Binary BreakersBy Avery Arden
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