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Ron Robertson
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I was born and raised in the Southern California desert where the night sky was velvety black with a dazzling array of stars. It was the perfect setting for a child who was something of a contemplative. I knew from church potluck programs that I was exceedingly more fortunate than children in India, China, and Africa. It seemed natural that in my early adulthood I pursued training for the ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church. I served as clergy for several churches and as a hospital chaplain for six years. But in the late 1970’s, as I became more sure that I was gay, the Church became more clear it did not want gay ministers.
I retooled and became trained and licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. When my partner, Thomas, and I moved to San Diego we visited the First UU Church of San Diego, because we had seen them joyously marching in the Gay Pride Parade. As it turned out, not only were we tolerated at First Church, we were cherished and welcomed with open arms. After a decade of rejection, it was like fresh water to my parched lips.
In the 15 years that I have been a member of First Church, I have served as chair of the pledge drive, member of the Board of Trustees, chair of the Board Visioning Committee, chair of the Pathways to Participation Task Group, member of the Care Giving Advisory Committee, member of the Ministerial Search Committee, Adult RE teacher and occasional preacher at the Sunday morning service.
When Multiple Sclerosis put me in a wheelchair, this congregation stepped up to the challenge with my partner and me. They make frequent accommodations so I can join the fun; they drive me so I can be a part of the good work of this church.
I’m honored to be able to be a part of this congregation who took us in when others would not, and encircled us with love when life threatened to become unmanageable. |
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