RCWMS is seeking applicants for the
Queer Clergy* Thriving in the South
January–June 2023 Cohort
The Resource Center for Women and Ministry in the South (RCWMS) is seeking applicants for Queer (Women and Nonbinary) Clergy* Thriving in the South, a six-month, peer-supported cohort led by an experienced facilitator.
We are inviting queer women and nonbinary folks—imams, pastors, rabbis, ministers, priests, lamas, chaplains, spiritual directors, activists, and others—to apply for our third annual cohort of eight participants who have been religious/spiritual leaders for ten years or fewer. Participants will meet 9 times between January and June 2023 via a hybrid model, with some meetings in person in Charlotte, NC, and others via Zoom. These gatherings will provide space for participants to learn and grow while connecting with fellow queer religious leaders. We welcome queer applicants from all religious and spiritual traditions, and we are committed to gathering a racially and spiritually diverse cohort.
*We recognize that the terms “queer,” “woman,” “nonbinary,” “clergy,” and “religious/spiritual leader” are all imperfect. We will use these terms liberally and inclusively within the selection process, and we invite you to apply for the cohort even if these terms are not a perfect fit.
The deadline to apply for Queer Clergy* Thriving in the South is
Wednesday, November 30th, 2022 at 9:00 PM Eastern Time.
RCWMS is an intergenerational, interfaith organization that weaves together feminism, spirituality, and social justice through its programs in LGBTQ spirituality, women’s preaching, antiracism, issue advocacy, writing and art, conscious elderhood, spiritual practices, and more.
What is the purpose of Queer Clergy* Thriving in the South?
The Need: Interviews have shown that many clergy, LGBTQ religious leaders in particular, feel isolated and unsure of where to turn for community. Given the varying levels of acceptance and support within their religious communities, queer clergy* too often become discouraged and suffer burnout.
The Vision: To provide a space where queer clergy* can come together, with the support of a skilled facilitator, to create healthy collegial relationships and find new options for self-care, including resources in their local communities that can help sustain participants long after the program is over.
The Plan: A peer-supported cohort, led by an experienced facilitator, will gather once or twice per month (sometimes in person in Charlotte, NC, and sometimes via Zoom) for six months. Monthly gatherings may include programming such as Enneagram workshops, self and community care rituals, opportunities to speak with and learn from our elders, sharing of spiritual practices, etc.
The first and second Queer Clergy* Thriving in the South cohorts were made possible in part by generous support from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.
What does participation look like?
- Full commitment to attending scheduled in-person and Zoom meetings (two hours each) on the following afternoons:
- Monday, January 23rd
- Monday, February 13th — in person
- Monday, February 27th
- Monday, March 13th — in person
- Monday, March 27th
- Monday, April 24th
- Monday, May 22nd
- Monday, June 12th — in person
- Monday, June 26th
- Engaging in spiritual practices and other brief activities in between sessions
- Communicating regularly with the program director and facilitator
- Checking in monthly (via phone, Zoom, or in person for 15–30 minutes) with one of your peers, a fellow cohort participant
What can participants expect from RCWMS?
- A stipend of $500
- An experienced and intentional facilitator, the Rev. Dr. Shonda Jones, to guide monthly gatherings
- A dedicated program director, Rachel Sauls, to respond to the needs and dreams of the cohort
- Resources and readings sent via email
- Snacks for in-person gatherings
We’re seeking cohort applicants who are:
- Queer (women and nonbinary) clergy* who have been religious leaders for 10 years or fewer
- Interested in connecting with other queer clergy* and contributing within a virtual and in-person community
- Available to attend the scheduled gatherings from January–June 2023 (including 3 in-person gatherings in Charlotte, NC)
- Willing to engage with brief readings, writing exercises, and/or spiritual practices in between gatherings
- Committed to maintaining confidentiality in regard to the identities and experiences of those in the cohort
*We recognize that the terms “queer,” “woman,” “nonbinary,” “clergy,” and “religious/spiritual leader” are all imperfect. We will use these terms liberally and inclusively within the selection process, and we invite you to apply for the cohort even if these terms are not a perfect fit.
Next Steps: We will update you by December 9th regarding the status of your application. If you have questions about Queer Clergy* Thriving in the South or the application process, please contact Rachel Sauls at rachel@rcwms.org.
RCWMS is committed to fostering the leadership of people of color, Native people, immigrants and refugees, low-income people, LGBTQ+ and trans* people, people with disabilities, survivors of sexual and/or domestic violence, and people living in the many intersections of these experiences. We strongly encourage people from these communities to apply and will not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, socioeconomic class, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sex, religion, disability status, citizenship status, age, veteran status, or national origin.
Leave a Reply