Faith has always been an important part of Elaine Snider’s life, to the point where she took theology classes and considered becoming a chaplain. More recently that faith has been expressed through her YouTube channel, "The Whimsical Byzantine," and video reenactments centered on the Nicene Creed.

I see the whole Creation story as a metaphor. It’s an ancient story that wonderfully tells how the world began and how humanity was introduced into that creation. In this garment-sewing detail, God’s first post-creation act is to love the creatures who seem overwhelmed with a primal shame that never seems to go away.

On May 16, Judy Meyer lost her race for re-election to the Community Library Network Board of Trustees after Regan’s Kootenai County GOP committee sent out a letter accusing Meyer and Regina McCrea of allowing “graphic books with text and pictures describing every imaginable sex act to be purchased and displayed to children.”

Reckless, hateful speech from a religious leader has no place in our public discourse.

Mental health is a subject that faces a lot of stigma and shame in society. Addressing it and seeking support involves being vulnerable and open about what's going on in our minds, which is not easy to do. However, learning to care for our mental health is part of caring for God's Creation.

As faith leaders and members in the community, we stand together in support of transgender rights. We are open and affirming people of faith who value all human beings and their identities.