Found Family with MaryB. Safrit

How Do Celibate LGBTQ+ Christians Find Family? (feat. Art Pereira)

MaryB. Safrit

Today's episode is the story of a celibate gay man who finds family through committed friendship and embracing clarity and different convictions in the LGBTQ+ Christian community. 

Art Pereira (he/him) was born in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and immigrated to the United States at the age of four. Having navigated marginalization from a young age both as an immigrant and a gay man, Art has a heart for community-building across cultural divides. After earning a BS in Youth Ministry from Nyack College, Art spent the last ten years working in youth ministry, growing his own heart for discipleship and pastoral care. 

Art has spoken at Revoice conferences and several podcasts on the topics of sexuality, faith, and community. He currently resides in Bernardsville, NJ, where he shares an apartment with his chosen brother and 60+ houseplants.

In this episode, you'll hear Art and I discuss

  • How to navigate differences in conviction and theology with nuance and inclusivity
  • Making and keeping friends through life changes
  • The found family of immigrant churches 
  • Why we can retire from being the morality police
  • and trusting the Holy Spirit will do their thing with others. 

You can learn more about revoice and get your tickets to the June conference at revoice.org. Use code REVOICEPOD for $10 off your ticket. Follow @ revoiceorg on the 'gram for updates and encouragement, and follow @ art_per for pictures of coffee and plants. 

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