Thank you for all of your seemingly tireless work at keeping so many of us informed and up to date on many goings on especially regarding the gay and lesbian debate in the Church and the world. Also thank you for your kind words, support and prayers.
In response to the "Lambeth Vote" question, I want to share some of the other than "bottom line" or "fill in the blank" happenings that were very much a part of Lambeth. There were four sections and several subsections in which we discussed and considered many issues.
In all of the votes before the final vote, I voted "No." These votes were on the amendments, which I believed chipped away at the original resolution that was labored at by over fifty Bishops. These amendments also stripped away first, the integrity of the work and good will of the proposers who made up the subsection. These people represented a wide variety of views and their final work was supported unanimously by the entire group. Second, the amendments reduced a major portion of the resolution to negative judgmental and exclusionary language. This became not the debate on an issue, but an assault on individuals and friends back home who are faithful followers of Jesus Christ. The laughter, the hisses and the derogatory slurs that accompanied and punctuated the discussion, made the plenary hall for me a climate of hostility that wanted victory at all costs.
On the final vote I abstained. In spite of even the worst tenor of the disagreement that surrounded this issue, I was concerned that we were a Communion, a family, and that issues are not settled or resolved by a majority. Hostility is not eased by a vote in which winners and losers are created.
Voting, as important as may be in some situations, is not a way to bring about reconciliation. We cannot, especially after a vote of this magnitude, walk away and say - "there! We've done it for God!" My abstention was a vote for unity within diversity. I am sure that some will disagree with me and I honor that. On this issue however, I can only say that this was my intention and I was called to be in that place, at that time and that is what I did. Since prayers are prayers are always in order at all times, please add me to the list.
I know that the issue of sexuality and what was decided is a vital life concern for many and it is for me too. I was deeply saddened by both the tone and the outcome. Also, I am more than discouraged by the "back row if at all" seat given to or sisters in Christ.
I do plead for an acknowledgement and embracing of the richness, the diversity and the global essence of the Anglican Communion. Many other vital issues of life and death significance were wrestled with and considered by the Lambeth Conference. Inclusivity in the midst of incredible diversity is an arduous task, possibly the most difficult we face. Keeping in communion with one another, even those with whom we disagree, I believe is part of our response to our Lord's call to love our neighbors as he loves us. That means with total abandon for self and that is more than hard because it means loving those who hate us.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. refused to become like those who oppressed him nor would he let the freedom movement become sabotaged by those who would wanted to return violence for violence or hate for hate. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in the midst of his all out struggle against apartheid never stooped to the level of demonizing those who opposed him. They were always in his own words, "... my brothers..."
In the struggles against injustice, bigotry, sexism and intolerance, which exist all over, the world and which for us currently is evidenced in the struggle for gay and lesbian people we are reaching for the fullness of the Body of Christ. We, as in ages past and in other issues, were and are struggling to become the Body of Christ. We cannot let ourselves sink to any level of bigotry, intolerance, demonizing or self-righteous exclusion. It must be that we hang in there with the ultimate weapon- LOVE. That is what will change the world.
In the Epistle to the Hebrews we read these words-.
"God has said, ' I will never forsake you or abandon you.' Thus we may say with confidence: The Lord is my helper, I will not fear, What can anyone do to me?"
We can be there for each other as God is there for us. This is what I pledge to you. Let us work and pray together so that a day will come when all shall be made one and no one shall be made to feel ashamed and we will be joined in him who makes all things new.
Louie, this is a tad longer than I had originally intended, but it is offered with a deep honesty and a great appreciation for you and your ministry. Thank you.
Peace and challenge,
J. Gary Gloster
ggloster@episdionc.org
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