By ADIA REYNOLDS
Tiger Media Network
Ash-to-Go is an Us 4 U initiative driven by a collaborative effort between churches in Hays. The event has been hosted for nearly a decade. This year, Pastors Brenda Rodger and Ben Houchen blessed those interested with ash crosses on their foreheads with a twist: The ashes included glitter.
The Glitter Ash tradition sprung from the national organization Parity, which works to foster a welcoming attitude towards LGBT+ Christians. For many, the event can seem like an oxymoron.
“This is the difference between equality and equity,” Houchen said. “The Christian church — especially in America — has a long history of (excluding) LGBT+ people. Glitter Ash is a way of saying we not only include you, but we are making an effort to side with and represent you.”
However, the Glitter Ash was not intended solely for LGBT+ Christians. Christian and Catholic students were invited to participate in Ash-to-Go as a way to easily represent their faith on Ash Wednesday. The Ash-to-Go table provided a convenient, accessible location to participate in more ways than one. It also showed the inclusion Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and the Us 4 U organization support.
“The glitter is gritty, in its own way. It’s not coming out,” said Anna Towns, a leader at Us 4 U. “And it’s also a way to celebrate both Ash Wednesday and the end of Lent — Easter. A way to celebrate and contemplate what Lent means to us.”
Last year, the Ash-to-Go event garnered controversy from some in the community. Some members of the community considered it disrespectful, whether that be through the rushed premise or its inclusion of the LGBT+ community. Despite that, and threats to pull funding, Ash-to-Go persists, albeit with more considerate and moderated language surrounding the cause.
The Ash-to-Go table attracts approximately 20 to 40 participants on average, and this year was no different. Students and faculty stopped by the table in the Memorial Union to receive the ash and discuss topics of religion and LGBT+ inclusivity.
“This personal sacrifice (of Lent and fasting) reminds me of Christ’s sacrifice for us,” said Shannon Ruder, a Fort Hays State University student. “Lent is a way to honor that, and the ash on our foreheads represents that.”
