Dear members of St. Paul’s:
St. Paul’s is a community of faith facing significant change. Many of you are confused and many are angry. The vestry is aware that many of us are also grieving. We heard the sadness and confusion even more clearly at the congregational meeting last Sunday. We heard the anger and felt the disappointment in us. We are so sorry that many are hurting, and we yearn for reconciliation.
We will do all we can to hear and honor each of you as you continue to share your feelings.
Among the confusion that overshadows us, are assumptions that are simply not true. First, is the assumption that the History and Reconciliation initiative (HRI) led to Wallace’s departure. Nothing could be further from the truth. HRI is the most vibrant and energized project St. Paul’s has undertaken in many years. This work is a mandate of the Presiding Bishop and was Wallace’s gift to the church, and we intend to live it forward fully, without reservation.
Secondly, some assume that the emphasis placed on being a welcoming church, and most particularly welcoming to the LGBTQ communities, led to dissatisfaction. That too is simply not true. Part of St. Paul’s rich legacy is stepping into the void caused by ignorance and injustice. We seek out diversity and the energy and leadership that naturally follows. This is who we are.
Our hope and prayer is that, as a community, we will make time to listen to each other. Through listening, we will move forward acknowledging that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. All of us together, young and old, and all in-between.
Sincerely,
The Vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
