Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonya Williams.
Hi Sonya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Bishop Sonya E. Williams, MTS. I am a Same Gender Loving, African American Female Pastor in Atlanta. I’ve always known that I was called to serve God’s people in ministry from a young age, and I’ve always known that I was a lesbian from a young age, even before I had the proper language and terminology to express it.
God and the church culture was introduced to me by my Grandmother at the tender age of three. However, it was introduced from an angry God perspective, who was ready to sentence me to hell for one wrong move or thought. After being bible bashed and beaten over the head with bad embedded theology for years, I decided that the church could never love someone like me. I was weary of the misogynistic oppression in the church that prevented women from serving in leadership or having a voice. I was over the terroristic tongue attacks on the LGBTQ community and exhausted from hearing Eurocentric colonialist stories being taught that never identified with me as a black female living in this country.
After leaving the church for a number of years, I had an encounter in the basement of a Gay club in Atlanta that would change the trajectory of my life. There was a group of female impersonators singing gospel songs while waiting to entertain a packed house of patrons. The Spirit-filled the dressing room, and many of us present were moved to tears. The Spirit spoke to me very audibly, saying, “These are my people too, and they worship ME in Spirit and in truth”. It wouldn’t be long after this experience that God led me to launch Real Inspiration Ministries on June 6th, 2008. We are affectionately known in the community as RIM Atlanta, and more importantly, we are known as a place where people from every walk of life can receive help, hope, and healing.
We are a place for ALL people. We preach love and acceptance. We believe that God is Love, and God’s Love is for every part of God’s creation. We believe God’s love reaches those who experience life on the furthest margins of society. We embrace those who have traditionally been rejected and ostracized by the church. We believe if the ministry doesn’t remove the stigma and restore dignity, it’s not a God-led ministry but a travesty to the community.
Because religion remains to be a central influence in cultures and society, I knew that I could not impact sustainable change without shifting religious narratives toward equity, inclusion, and social justice. It is purposeful and important to me in my preaching that I queer the text, teach from a gender-neutral lens, and let a thread of love and justice run through every sermon.
RIM Fellowship has been on the front line of Marriage Equality, Reproductive Justice, Voters’ Rights, and Economic Justice. We’ve registered over 5000 new voters, we’ve fed millions of people who are food insecure, and we advocate for people living with HIV as we continue to do the work of eradicating the disease with free HIV testing, distributing safe sex kits, and educating Faith Communities about stigma in religion.
Because of the hybridization ministry model of Jesus and Justice that RIM Fellowship is doing under the leadership and guidance of Bishop Sonya E. Williams, They have received numerous accolades, awards, and proclamations. Most recently, September 1st was officially named Sonya E. Williams Day in Atlanta, GA, by the Fulton Co. Board of Commissioners and The Atlanta City Council.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been an easy road to doing this type of ministry. I recall having a group of local pastors block the entrance of our church at our very first service. I received hate mail and threatening messages from people who did not believe that God could possibly love and embrace the LGBT community. There are also those religious people who do not believe in women-led leadership. Finally, there are always financial challenges in that people are not readily willing to loan support to churches that dare to go against the hetero-norms of religion. Nonetheless, our faith has kept us and continues to carry us through the difficult times.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a retired Early Elementary Educator of 25 years. I now teach on a substitute basis only. There is nothing more rewarding than having the opportunity to provide an environment that is friendly and conducive for children to thrive and learn at such an impressionable age. I was surprised to find that much of my experience in teaching young children would play out in my role as pastor. Even now, as I have taken on a larger role as the Regional Bishop for the South Region of the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, much of what I gained in my career has resurfaced in this venture. I often say that teaching is in my DNA.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have been blessed to have many strong and powerful women in my life who have helped to shape and mold what God has placed me on the planet to fulfill. Firstly, my wife Regina Anderson-Williams has been a constant stay of support in my every endeavor, She is my ROCk! Secondly, I come from the womb of a strong black woman who beat all the odds of being abandoned at birth to becoming a successful RIN, Mid-Wife, Real-Estate Mogul, and Entrepreneur. Her tenaciousness and never-say-die attitude have been the catalyst behind my drive and determination. Lastly, I’ve had many “Spiritual Mothers” and influencers that have poured into me and pushed me to be my best self. There are too many of these powerful individuals to name, but I must mention the Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder, who personifies my total perception of what a Jesus and Justice warrior is in the Earth.
Contact Info:
- Website: rimatl.org
- Facebook: RIM Fellowship UCC on Facebook and Sonya Williams on Facebook
