We’ve been thinking a lot about milestones in the last couple of weeks. For starters, RfA offered the first LGBTQ-inclusive worship service during General Synod – a truly joyful and sacramental act of praise. Although we weren’t able to hold it on the campus of Trinity Christian College, a nearby Christian high school welcomed us with open arms, and even waived the rental fee. To be made welcome in the Body of Christ feels wonderful.
We got back from Synod in time to put the finishing touches on RfA’s 10th Anniversary Dinner held on June 22, “From Loss to Legacy.” In her after-dinner remarks, Rev. Ann Kansfield reflected on how much has changed in the church in the last decade. “For example,” she noted, “raise your hand if you identify as LGBTQ.” Our hearts soared at the number of hands that went up, because ten years ago, that would have been a very risky thing to do in a gathering of church people. To create a welcome in the Body of Christ feels wonderful.
Today’s Supreme Court decision in favor of marriage equality is a milestone not only for LGBTQ people, not only for citizens of the United States, but for the church, as well. It will shape the conversations that we in the RCA will continue to have, and should have. It is our prayer that those conversations will be loving, respectful, and Christ-like. Regardless of whether we in the RCA agree about same-gender marriage, we do hold fast to the promise that in Christ, and at the table of Christ, all are welcome. And that feels wonderful.