[Faith-talk] multiple topics

[Sandra Streeter]

You’re more likely to find gay clergy in the UCC or churches verging on that, as some have said already, the Congregational ones that are especially left-leaning; also, some Methodist churches. Also, of course, there are the Metro churches comprised mainly of gays. On one hand, I’m chagrined by all that, but on the other hand, I wonder if some practicing gays could be reached by non-gay clergy, if they’ve been particularly burned by organized religion; they may need to start in a left-leaning or Metro church as a jumping-off place.But I do get annoyed that most of the relatively-right-leaning churches seem to portray abortion and homosexuality as the most egregious sins. On some level, it really is up to God to judge, and who hasn’t committed some sin or other! I say, “on some level,” because I do think there’s a place for a spade being called a spade (e.g., 9-11 was patently wrong), but when He said, “Judge not...” Christ meant that we need to be careful how we measure things, that the measure we use can also be used against us; but He didn’t mean to turn a blind eye to things that are obviously not right. Plus, remember that the people He was most angry at were the religious authorities of the day, who were hypocritical and very judgmental in an unhealthy way that brings no repentance or healing.

I hope your trip is fun, Linda—keep us posted.

Now for a concern: Because the archives of these lists are publicly available, if someone does mention going on vacation out of town, is that risky re inviting opportunities for burglary, vandalism or whatever else while they’re gone? Just wondered.

I actually like intinction, though I was a little taken aback when I first heard the word and it hadn’t been defined for me, not having been part of Methodist culture or whatever. Fortunately, our current pastor makes it a point to explain what “intinction” is whenever we have Communion. I have mixed feelings about whether it should be an “open table” (meaning anyone can take Communion) or not—on one hand, we aren’t supposed to take Communion lightly; on the other, if we really believe in its power (whether as symbol or as directly taking in the real body and blood of Christ), what if God wanted to use Communion to reach someone who isn’t involved in any faith, or has backslidden, or is searching—or, God forbid, is GAY! I tend to think He is big enough for everything, though.




Sandra

Not “Revelation” – tis – that waits
But our unfurnished eyes –
(Emily Dickinson)

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