Debbie Bledsoe

I am a newcomer to Canada, coming to Edmonton from the US. Before Edmonton, I pastored three churches in Indiana and Washington, which has allowed me to make connections all across our continent. This brings me great joy! I am a "convinced" Mennonite, having only discovered Anabaptism in 2017, and I have found a home in Mennonite spaces due to my love for some of our core tenets: pacifism, priesthood of all believers, communal discernment of scripture, and a less hierarchical power structure. I'd be remiss if I didn't add that potlucks and four-part-harmony hymn singing are a major bonus to being Mennonite!

 As an openly Queer Mennonite Pastor, I care deeply about making sure there is room at the table of Christ for those who are often left out. I am driven by my passion around inclusion for marginalized peoples, particularly those who are at multiple "crossroads" of marginalization. I am especially interested in Queer Theology and in helping people unpack and unlearn the harmful things they have been taught about God, faith, themselves, and the church. I am open to conversation with people who want to understand more about Queerness, about who God is to me, and how the church can become a place of welcome for all, and through this I have been able to connect deeply with people who haven't felt welcome before or who aren't sure they're welcome anymore. I have walked with a number of churches through their process of becoming publicly affirming of Queer folks, have served on the LGBTQ+ advisory board at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, have engaged in activism work through community organizing, and have participated in training to support our most vulnerable members of society. I am also a member of the steering committee of In This Together, Canada's Anabaptist LGBTQ+ advocacy group, and have spoken at conferences about Queer inclusion and disability advocacy. As someone who is autistic and has ADHD (and is married to someone who is also autistic and has ADHD,) I am very aware how much work everyday life can be, so I care deeply about making space for people who are also neurodivergent. As someone who lives on the "edge" of disability, I work hard to notice ways that church can be more welcoming to those that are disabled.

 My wife and I have been together for over 20 years and our main hobbies include collecting music and playing games. We are often playing video games, board games, tabletop role playing games, or card games. Our favorite game is Japanese-style Richii Mahjong! We adore animals, especially sighthounds, have had many wonderful pets over the years, and we consider ourselves amateur bird watchers. We enjoy spending time with others as much as possible, and I love feeding my friends and chosen family.