Beatitude

A Broad Place of Welcome

  As the Presbyterian Church (USA) changes, making it possible for gay and lesbian people to be ordained, some may feel that the rest of the world cannot accept this new position. In October, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa wrote an open letter to the PCUSA affirming its decision. He suggested that the PCUSA had accomplished an act of justice through its decision to accept gay and lesbian people. In the letter, he said: “Salvation means being called out of our narrow bonds into a broad place of welcome to all.”

Tutu pointed out that in many places around the world Christians have been complicit while lesbians and gays have been legally persecuted. And, he said, “By making it possible for those in same-gender relationships to be ordained as pastors, preachers, elders, and deacons, you are being a witness to your ecumenical partners that you believe in the wideness of God’s merciful love.

Acceptance and solidarity toward those who have been unjustly excluded is at the core of what it means to be of faith. I’m grateful that the PCUSA has begun to take a stand and thankful for Desmond Tutu’s kind words.

The PCUSA Changes Its Ordination Standards

The Presbyterian Church USA has ratified an overture to become more inclusive toward people of gay and lesbian orientation. In essence, the vote to change ordination standards allows the possibility for people to be evaluated not so much on their sexual orientation but for their suitability to “submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life;” a courageous and admirable shift in my opinion. 

You can check more information about this decision at: http://oga.pcusa.org/

I’ve found that through any major change my own spiritual discipline must be alive and well. Even now I seek depth in my own spiritual practices, like The Examination of Consciousness I mentioned in the previous post. I even find a true spiritual connection with people in my regional body of Presbyterians who disagree with my more inclusive approach to the church. We can remain open to a God whose grace is bigger than all our decisions and schisms and even our successes. Perhaps, then, the best thing to remember is that our efforts to be the church are not about us. They are instead about a God of surprising grace.

Small

In light of large, overwhelming upheaval, I long to think small—not to avoid the desperation of the world but to adopt a mode of being that makes me more available to it. Instead of allowing the waves of fear to drown me, I wish to take a small part, along with you, to improve the world’s condition.

When the whole world seems to ring like a bell, I long to be still—not to hid from the suffering of the world but to draw on a source that is not of this world. I wish to know the Spirit that doesn’t miss a beat and sings through history songs that fill our souls just when we thought there was no hope.

When the world is angry, seeking power to bring down one enemy or another, I want somehow to look down to the ground and meekly draw in the dirt and caution about throwing stones. Does the world need more stones aloft? And in the mean time, you and I can listen to our neighbor, and work for peace.

When we throw our hands up, and we have lost those we loved, I will mourn, hopefully in your company. Together we will feel human pain… just listen to and look at what we would otherwise not want to see. Maybe weep. Maybe in suffering we will know what is otherwise unknowable.

When plans are devised to oppress and deals are made to cover up, I long to be simple. I long to resist as best I can the complicated temptation to nod in numb agreement. Then I hope I can teach with you, one simple truth after another until the world becomes a learning community and everyone’s decisions are made calmly and wide-eyed.

Dear God, I wish to be simple, mournful, meek, quiet and small today.

 

Top Ten Reasons to Choose Faith in 2010

1.    Coming to terms with the transient and shallow nature of wealth and notoriety is the gift of our times and against the backdrop of such bad news, the good news of faith can appear as the treasure that it is.

2.    While the best fruit of science provides constructive solutions for humankind, there are parts of being human that are addressed only by the mysteries of faith.

3.    Coming to know the depths of your soul can feel like a dark tunnel unless there is an open passage for God’s light to shine in.

4.    On a balance being a part of a faith community is the best way to share a connection with something greater than ourselves.

5.    Faithing is a whole lot more creative than arguing; the angers and frustrations we often succumb to in life are soothed and transformed by the oils of faith’s blessing.

6.    Hoping for God’s best is a lot better then despairing over the worst.

7.    The caring service that faith inspires brings healing to the world.

8.    The humility that faith demands is surprisingly refreshing: We discover that we’re just like everyone else and God is most wonderfully… big.

9.    Faith ultimately brings us back to our source and it’s nice to be home when you realize that the home of faith is full of open arms, mercy and laughter.

10.                      Alongside ageing, and all other effects of entropy, faith is one of those things that get better with time.