Greetings …

For the last few weeks we have been seeing churches who have discovered new ways of being at mission in their local communities.  These discoveries were made when people were willing to make small changes and build and develop relationships.  In light of this, I thought I’d share with you a change that I am starting to make in my life – a change which is not so much about me.

I have decided that I am going to start using pronouns after my name.  You may have come across the increased use of pronouns, but in case you haven’t, a pronoun is the name given to the way you refer to someone if you are not using their name.  So why are they important?  Using the right pronouns to refer to a person can be one of the easiest ways to build rapport, show them respect, and help them to affirm themselves. On the flipside, using the wrong pronouns to refer to someone can actually be quite harmful even if it is accidental or unintentional.

So why have I decided to do this?  I have chosen to make this change for a few reasons.  Firstly, it helps make a space comfortable for others.  If people know how to refer to me that is helpful to them.  Secondly, it shows that I am happy to use the prefered pronouns of others.  I own that I’m still learning to do this, but I am willing to work at it.  Thirdly, it is a way that I can stand in solidarity with those I know who are naming the gendered reality they own for themselves.

A small change that I don’t think makes too much difference to me can, it seem, make a big difference to others.  When we are thinking about how we might be church in 2023 and beyond, I wonder what small changes we might be able to make to bring grace and relationship to others.

Blessings – Heather (she/her).