Kinship News

Sometimes we write something just to get it out—to put words to an experience we’re still working through. That’s how this song began for a member of Kinship Germany. Writing it was part of a personal healing process. Sharing it came later, with the thought that someone else might hear it and find encouragement. The songwriter prefers to remain anonymous. There’s no wish for attention or recognition, just a hope that something born out of a difficult experience might help ano

I want to share something personal with you — because this month, 50 years in, it still matters to me as much as it ever did. When I first heard about SDA Kinship, I wasn't ready. I was married, trying to help God change me, holding onto the hope that somehow things would be different. It was a gay friend who saw a small ad in the back of a magazine and reminded me that an organization existed for people like us: Adventist and gay. I had heard about SDA Kinship before, in col

October marks Kinship Awareness Month, a time to celebrate fifty years of SDA Kinship’s commitment to truth, compassion, and community. It’s also a time to speak out against the dangers of so‑called “change ministries” like Coming Together Ministries, which encourage people to hide their true feelings and live behind a façade that cannot be sustained. These teachings promote shame and isolation instead of authenticity and healing. When it’s safe, being visible and vocal helps

As the 2026 election season unfolds, JustLove Collective has released a new Voting Guide aimed at helping people of faith approach the ballot box through the lenses of justice, compassion, truth, and human dignity. The guide makes clear that its approach is not about loyalty to a political party or candidate. Instead, JustLove says faith should shape how Seventh-day Adventist Christians think about the systems, laws, and public policies that affect people’s lives, especially

John Wilt, Family & Friends One of our favorite “The Chosen” episodes shares their vision of Jesus healing the lame man at the pool of Bethesda. It opens with many handicapped folks gathered around the large pool and several pharisee’s standing at the back observing the activities. Jesus and Matthew enter the scene and move down to the many laying beside the pool. After a short discussion Jesus heals the lame man and tells him to pick up his bed and leave. The Pharisees react

15–19 July 2027 | Northamptonshire, United Kingdom Friendship is at the heart of the next European SDA Kinship and Friends Meeting. Taking place in Northamptonshire, UK, from 15 to 19 July 2027, the 25th EKM will gather under the theme “I have called you friends”—a fitting invitation to celebrate connection, belonging and the relationships that sustain our community. For LGBTQIA+ people with a connection to the Seventh-day Adventist faith, friendship can carry particular sign

Dr. Ronald L. Lawson Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International mourns the passing of Dr. Ronald L. Lawson, who died on August 3, 2026, at his home in Loma Linda, California. Ron was a pioneer of Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International and one of the most influential voices in our organization’s history. From Kinship’s earliest years, he helped shape a community where LGBTQIA+ Seventh-day Adventists could find belonging, friendship, and hope. As Kinship’s first Church Li

Matt Segebartt, Kinship Chaplain “Time waits for no man” is a phrase I ponder often. The dependably relentless passage of time and seasons. We look forward to summer and before we can fully settle into enjoying the sunshine, we feel the chill in the morning air. If I had a super power it would be to be able to linger longer in the moments of life. I can’t question the construct of time, but I have some feelings toward my clock and calendar as they just keep clicking off the d

Floyd Poenitz- President, SDA Kinship As we step into September, I’ve been thinking about how much our Kinship community has grown — not just in numbers, but in courage, compassion, and connection. Every month I hear from members who are navigating complicated family conversations, returning to school, starting new jobs, or simply trying to find a place where they can breathe and be themselves. Kinship continues to be that place. In a world that often rewards division, we cho

Floyd Poenitz, President, SDA Kinship Happy Sabbath around the world! I’m sure many of you noticed that you had not received an eNews eMail from Kinship this month. After Kinship’s Kampmeeting earlier this month, the Kinship Board has been busy catching up on tasks and to-do’s created at the meeting in Baltimore. We will be sharing more about Kampmeeting in the next eNews mailing. I will just quickly say that Kinship Kampmeeting #47 was a wonderful time and that it felt good