As the United Methodist Church recently ruled that officiating same-sex weddings is up to individual pastors and we honor lifting the 40-year ban on LGBTQ+ clergy, I think of a poetry book intimately tied to this so-called debate. Rebecca Wilson’s “Unraveling” is a testament to her journey surrendering her credentials to the Methodist Church because of their discriminatory ordination process. It is the focus of today’s Belief Behind the Book.
Belief Behind the Book is a feature that gives readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the beliefs—or what I call “the WHY”—behind books written by progressive spiritual leaders. Inspired by the Ministry from the Margins Books program, Belief Behind the Book shines a spotlight on why authors write the books they write, offering practical tips for readers to apply to their own belief systems.
The gospels introduce a woman who had suffered for many years before being healed after touching the frayed hem of Jesus’ garment. “Unraveling” introduces another individual’s journey from shame and suffering to wholeness. These 21 pieces, mostly poems, speak truth to the undeniable ways the church heals and the unholy ways it harms.
Curated in liturgical seasons, Rebecca’s words will break and then fill your heart as her poetry weaves together an experience of answering a call to ministry in The United Methodist Church, pursuing ordination, embracing her queer sexuality and making the unbelievably difficult and amazingly liberating decision to walk away.
Her story leads us to question whether healing energy flows from garments or from the unraveling of power and tradition. Is it faith that makes us well or a desire to claim our belovedness and live authentically?
Rebecca Wilson is a queer poet and storyteller weaving life experiences with scripture and spirituality. 10 Camels is Rebecca’s offering, turning words into water through writing and speaking. With gentle grace and prophetic honesty, she invites others into a story of finding belonging and facing rejection in the church.
She is uniquely gifted at drawing people together, creating space for transformation, and stirring deep reflection on faith, community, and living water.
When I asked why Wilson wrote “Unraveling,” she responded:
“Writing the poems of ‘Unraveling’ kept me breathing while navigating the lonely path of coming out as lesbian and surrendering my ministerial credentials. For too long, I stayed silent, wrongly believing I needed permission to share my story. Healing calls us to share our stories.”
When asked her practical advice for readers, Wilson added, “‘Unraveling’ inspires readers to examine the threads of faith, pull at the hems of religious power, and release the shames we were never meant to carry.”
Not only does Wilson publish and write poetry, but her book tour has prompted a movement of poetry shows. At these events, she preaches, performs poetry, and offers inspiring workshops that help participants and churches unravel their own faith.
And this is only the beginning, as Wilson is working on a second poetry book. Visit 10 Camels to learn more.
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Award-winning author of ten books, including The Authorpreneur Handbook. Founder and CEO of Tehom Center Publishing, a nonprofit press publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers. Rev. Dr. Yarber’s work has been featured in Forbes, HuffPo, NPR, The Advocate, Ms. Magazine, the television show Tiny House Nation, and more. She travels the world speaking, preaching, publishing, and writing, but she can always be found at www.tehomcenter.org
