Benediction for GTU Graduates of Color

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PANA and NRJ at the DisOrient Asian-American Film Festival in Eugene, Oregon

Rev. Israel Alvaran is a minister in the United Methodist Church, and a graduate student at Pacific School of Religion. He writes:

I had the honor of representing PANA and NRJ at the DisOrient Asian-American Film Festival in Eugene, Oregon on March 27, 2008. PANA's film In God's House: Asian American Lesbian and Gay Families in the Church was shown together with other LGBTQ short films, dubbed "Arranged Family Secrets." Over 50 people watched the films during this section of the festival, and many were touched and wept after In God's House screened. Many came up to me expressing gratitude for what we do at PANA and NRJ.

Basic Rights Oregon (BRO), a statewide LGBTQ advocacy group sponsored a discussion group meeting after the screening at St. Mary Episcopal Church, and over 20 people came. This question-and-answer session proved to be inspirational as individuals talked about how our film made them connect their faith, Asian heritage, and being queer. Some have shunned religion but now they see the reality of queer spirituality. I even had to give away my copy of the film! Many look forward to another discussion session like this during next year's DisOrient Film Festival, and there is talk of collaboration with BRO on setting with up.

The Spirit was present, and it was an awesome witness!

Nikkei: Four Generations – One Soul

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