Embracing Faith and Pride: Journeys of LGBTQ+ Clergy with Kathy Corbett-Welch & Ken Kovacs

Embracing Faith and Pride: Journeys of LGBTQ+ Clergy

In this empowering episode of Room at the Table, host Betsy Cerulo engages in a candid and heartfelt conversation with Kathy Corbett-Welch, an Episcopalian pastor, and Ken Kovacs, a Presbyterian pastor. Together, they delve deeply into their courageous journeys as LGBTQ+ clergy, illuminating the personal and professional challenges they have faced within their respective faith traditions. Kathy and Ken share transformative moments that highlight significant cultural shifts within their communities, including powerful stories of acceptance and affirmation. Throughout the episode, they offer valuable insights into the delicate balance of faith and authenticity, providing guidance on how to address and navigate both overt and subtle biases. This episode underscores the importance of living openly and authentically, showcasing how embracing one's identity can foster stronger, more inclusive spiritual communities.

Key Timestamps:

• (00:00) Introduction: The intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ identity.
• (01:36) Kathy’s journey towards acceptance in the Episcopalian church.
• (07:07) Ken’s story of ordination and self-discovery within the Presbyterian church.
• (13:48) Coming out to congregations and the powerful responses received.
• (16:09) Shifts in acceptance within faith communities over recent decades.
• (25:24) The theological implications and personal courage required to lead authentically.
• (30:30) Responding to anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric from religious communities.
• (41:00) Exploring fear, misunderstanding, and the projection of biases within religious contexts.
• (42:54) Advice on managing hostility and preserving personal peace and authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity in Leadership: Openly embracing one's identity fosters healthier, more transparent faith communities.
• Community Shifts: Both Episcopal and Presbyterian churches have undergone significant changes towards LGBTQ+ inclusion.
• Navigating Challenges: It's essential to remain grounded and compassionate amidst opposition and misunderstandings.
• The Power of Courage: Authenticity and courage in leadership pave the way for profound community transformation.

Resources & Links:

• Room at the Table Podcast

About the Guest:

Ken Kovacs has served as pastor and head of staff at Catonsville Presbyterian Church since 1999. Previously, he ministered in St. Andrews, Scotland, and Mendham, New Jersey. Ken holds degrees from Rutgers University, Yale Divinity School, Princeton Theological Seminary, and earned his Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews. He is currently training as a psychoanalyst at the C.G. Jung Institute in Zürich. Ken is an author whose works explore theology and psychology, and has been deeply involved in advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Presbyterian Church. He serves on the board of the Jung Society of Washington. Ken enjoys history, travel, and all things Scottish. He and his husband, Mark Dunham, live in Baltimore's historic Dickeyville neighborhood.

The Reverend Kathy Corbett-Welch has been an Episcopal priest for 23 years. Prior to this she was a Neonatal Nurse, specializing in the care of acutely ill and tiny babies. Born in Boston, her work brought her to Washington, DC as the Chaplain to an Episcopal AIDS ministry. She then became Rector of St Luke’s church in Brookville, MD. She served as a Chaplain at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the MdTAP. She and Ellen, her spouse of 52 years, now live in Fayetteville, AR. They are both happily...