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But not everyone agrees with adding sparkle to such a somber occasion.
Traditionally on Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, you see Christians going about their daily routine with a gray smudge in the shape of a cross on their forehead. This year, you may notice some observers with a little extra sparkle.
Parity, a New York-based advocacy group which works to help people reconcile faith and LGBT identity, is mixing traditional ashes with purple glitter this year in a show of solidarity with LGBT Christians — and they’re encouraging congregations all over to do the same.
“Ashes are an in-your-face statement that death and suffering are real,” reads the campaign's Facebook page. “The glitter will be a sign of our hope, which does not despair.”
The idea originated from a discussion between the executive director of Parity, Rev. Marian Edmons-Allen, and her close friend, episcopal priest and author Rev. Elizabeth M. Edman. They wanted to create more inclusive spaces within the church for the LGBT community.
“We got in touch with clergy folks and theologians and pastors from all over the country, and a few outside the country, and just bounced the idea off of them,” Edmon-Allen told BuzzFeed News. “Everyone loved it.”
Edman, author of Queer Virtue, appeared in the campaign's promotional YouTube video.
Edmons-Allen and her team not only set up congregations interested in participating with a supply of glitter ash, they also accepted individual requests — free of charge or with a donation.
To make the glittery ashes, standard church ashes (which come from burned palm branches and are blessed by a minister or priest) were mixed with makeup-quality polyester purple glitter. A little bit of olive oil is the final touch.
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