Dear Friends in Christ,
Writing about the Lambeth Conference last week, I summarized the way the bishops of the Anglican Communion had found a place of unity despite widely differing views on human sexuality and marriage. I praised the compromise — essentially accepting the diversity of beliefs while respecting each person as a child of God — as both hopeful and historic.
Within hours of my letter being posted online, the compromise was on the verge of collapse. Some bishops, primarily from the global south, demanded a vote be taken in support of a traditional definition of marriage. Some said they would refuse to receive communion with married LGBTQ bishops. It appeared division, not unity, would be the outcome of this once-a-decade gathering.
After a few days of posturing, it appears the bishops have found a way back to unity. That unity is based not in agreement, which they can’t reach, but in relationship. Although I’m sure there are outliers, it appears the majority have decided that the relationships of the various provinces of the Anglican Communion are more important than deciding whose position on marriage is right.
All of this is far too complicated to summarize adequately here. But I do think remarks made by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby are helpful in understanding how the bishops have found a way forward. He addressed his remarks to the bishops as they prepared to discuss the revised Call on Human Dignity. Recognizing that the bishops “are deeply divided,” he reminded them that they “are called by Christ himself both to truth and unity.”
A large majority of Anglican Christians in the world stand in a different place from most Episcopalians in the United States. Most Anglicans accept only a traditional understanding of marriage as between a man and a woman. As the Archbishop said, “For them, to question this teaching is unthinkable, and in many countries would make the church a victim of derision, contempt and even attack. For many churches to change traditional teaching challenges their very existence.”
For a minority of Anglican Christians, including most Episcopalians, “we can also say the same,” he said. They believe “traditional teaching needs to change” and same-sex marriage should be blessed. “For them, to question this different teaching is unthinkable, and in many countries is making the church a victim of derision, contempt and even attack. For these churches not to change traditional teaching challenges their very existence.”
I find Archbishop Welby’s remarks very helpful. Reminding the bishops that the point of their gathering is not to change minds, he instead asks them to take a moment to see from another’s perspective, to find unity in listening and walking together “despite our deep disagreement on these issues.” (I encourage you to read the Archbishop’s full remarks on the Lambeth Conference website.)
None of this is perfect. LGBTQ Christians in the global south who must live fearfully in the closet will feel this is not strong enough, that they remain unaccepted. Traditional Christians in more progressive provinces will feel as if this is a step in the wrong direction. But in a time of such deep division in our world, it seems to me the bishops are setting an example for how to stay in relationship and keep working together. As the old song says, they won’t know we are Christians because we’re right, “they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
Your Friend in Christ,
Rector
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SCHOOL #43 - 11 TUTORS NEEDED
Kindergarten tutoring begins in September, School #43
St. Paul’s volunteers are already at it – classes began on August 1. Our tutors will work with kindergarten students in the areas of reading (e.g., writing names, learning letters, storytelling) or math (reading and writing numbers, counting and developing number sense). Welcome back to returning volunteers – we are grateful to have you for another school year! If others have 30 minutes/week to donate to kindergarten students at School #43, we could greatly use 11 more volunteers to completely cover all kindergarten classrooms. Contact Janie Frazier below for more information. See Outreach opportunities here.
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EUCHRE TOURNAMENT AT THE SUMMER FESTIVAL
Hosted by St. Paul's Family Ministry
Sunday, August 21, 10 a.m. Blessing; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Festival
Enjoy playing Euchre? Sign up below to play during the festival. Have your child's backpack blessed during the 10 a.m. service and join us immediately afterwards on the lawn (weather-permitting) to reconnect with St. Paul's friends. Children are invited to enjoy an inflatable waterslide, bounce houses and sprinkler play. The Indianapolis Public Library will be on site (taking book returns, offering books to check out and issuing or updating library cards for all Marion County residents). Royal Sno will provide free Snow Cones from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Other light refreshments will be provided by St. Paul's and lunch may be purchased from Bub's Burgers food truck. Family, friends and neighbors are welcome! Questions, contact Laurie Pierce.
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SEXUAL MISCONDUCT TRAINING
Sunday, August 28, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Parish Hall
We need the whole village – know the signs! Please join in learning how to protect our children during a “SafeGuarding God’s Children” in-person training led by Diocesan Transition Minister Jennifer Phelps. “About one in four girls and one in 13 boys in the United States have experienced childhood sexual abuse,” states the CDC. Help our kids by getting trained and speaking up for them. Lunch and childcare will be provided. RSVP below and contact Laurie Pierce with questions.
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CELEBRATING OUR OWN :: COLIN DENHART
On Sunday, there will be a simple graduation ceremony for parishioner Colin Denhart. Mariann Scott, EfM mentor and Canon For The Circle at Christ Church Cathedral, will be present to participate. Congratulations to Colin!
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UPDATE ON THE REV. STEVEN BALKE
The Rev. Steven Balke and his wife Katie (MacDougall) Balke – daughter of Barb - were former members of St. Paul’s. St. Paul’s was also Rev. Balke’s sending parish when he attended seminary. Read below to learn about his new position.
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HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Help is needed in offering simple receptions with light refreshments following funerals at St. Paul’s. To provide this important pastoral ministry, we need additional volunteers. When a funeral is scheduled, details of the reception are sent to the Hospitality Coordinator. That coordinator typically contacts four to five people on the Hospitality Committee and asks that they bring cookies or fruit (St. Paul’s provides beverages, dishes and napkins). If you have questions, or to sign up to participate as a coordinator or committee member, please use the link below to contact Tana Hunnicutt.
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