“Falling in Love”
Texts
“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.” — 1 John 4:7-8
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” —Revelation 22:13
Excerpt: “We didn’t see each other enough to have an extensive sexual relationship, but I sure loved him. I genuinely, honestly, sincerely, passionately, unselfishly ‘1 Corinthians 13’ loved him. I was liberated at the very thought! One could almost hear the shackles of shame and guilt fall from my mind and heart.”
What Ray had to say about Rainbow in the Word:
I am beyond honored to be a part of this groundbreaking work. Many know that the Bible has been used as a tool of violence against the LGBT community. This book, however, flips that narrative on its head to present examples in which the sacred text has liberated queer folks. I am one of those examples and I am honored that my story can be read within its pages. Whether you’re gay or straight, male or female or somewhere in between either, this volume can set free any Christian seeking more love in this world.
Ray Jordan currently serves as the Interim Senior Pastor of Central Congregational United Church of Christ of Dallas, Texas, after serving as Central’s associate pastor. He has also worked in the public and private sectors as a public school teacher, university professor, non-profit administrator, corporate trainer, and consultant. Although originally from Oakland, California, Jordan was raised by his grandmother on a farm in rural Arkansas, where he often traversed the intersectionality of his race (African American), class (poor), and sexuality (gay). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Education, a Master of Arts in Teaching, a Master of Theological Studies from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, and is completing his PhD (ABD) from Union Institute and University. In addition to pastoring, Jordan serves on the board of directors of the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ, teaches classes in Interdisciplinary Studies and African American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, teaches classes in Political Science at Southern Methodist University, and spends time with his three children—Trey, Alley, and Joshua Caleb.
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