I opened Iglesia Cristo Para Todos, an inclusive church in my local community. I was raised Catholic, and my relationship with the church as a child was one of fear, a relationship in which God was going to punish me for being who I am or for being the way I am.

I was confused because I felt called to serve my community and God through the church, but knew I was a lesbian.

My vision is for the church to be a place where people can come, regardless of their sexual orientation, nationality, or skin color, and know that there is a God who loves them and a community that will accept and care for them.

Next year I will celebrate my 20th anniversary of pastoral ordination.