At Waterloo Listens’ second General Assembly of 2025, Pastor Krissy Avise-Rouse (they/she), of Epiphany UCC, delivered an engaging talk on religion and the queer community, recounting their own journey finding their identity and their place within Christianity. Pastor Krissy's talk can be viewed on YouTube.
Pastor Krissy explained basic terms and concepts of gender; and spoke of how gender appears in the Bible, how many queer people experience religious trauma, and how allies can stand up for queer loved ones in their own churches. They recommended podcast Blessed Are the Binary Breakers, and the art and writings of David Hayward.
Pastor Krissy capped their talk with a prayer and Q&A session, where approximately 30 attendees were able to share personal experiences and deepen their understanding.
Rev. Kristofer Avise-Rouse was born in Des Moines, Iowa and has lived all over the country. After careers in ad specialty production, customer service, and software testing Pastor Kris attended Eden Seminary, graduating in 2006. Ordained at St. Paul UCC, Waterloo, IL that July, Kris served at Immanuel UCC, Darlington, WI and St. Paul UCC, Columbia, IL.