Are you a geek? Remember gym class and being the last one picked? I have found myself in both of those categories!
For whatever reason, many of us know the pain of not being included. Our peers or society casts us out. But this week, a very important decision was made by a group of people governing a church body, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The decision they made has a huge impact on many who were on the outside looking in. Find out how in this week's Speak Podcast.
Audio credit: Tarik O'Regan, "Care Charminge Sleepe" & "I Had No Time to Hate"
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1 Response to SP #20: On the outside looking in
I've been asked why I'm proud of the ELCA's recent decision to include gays and lesbians as part of rostered clergy and move toward a way to recognize gay and lesbian long-term monogamous relationships in congregations who choose to recognize them.
I am proud of the decision because any move that brings our church toward greater inclusiveness and away from the prejudice and exclusiveness of the past is something to be celebrated.
I am proud of the decision because God has always called upon communities that have been persecuted to minister to those in places of privilege, and I believe that our worship lives will be made richer and our understanding of the Gospel will be made greater by including more perspectives instead of narrowing our focus so tightly that we fail to recognize our brothers and sisters in Christ as our own.
I am proud of the decision because in moving toward a church that celebrates inclusiveness, a spotlight will be shined on those who would close off our church and turn people away.
How can I not be proud?
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