Friends,
I want to begin our conversation this evening with some words that have been in my mind and on my heart for these past two weeks. They have been processing and I’ve taken some time to write them down — unfortunately writing them down freezes them in time. And I find that my words and opinions change as I think and talk with others. So these words can be considered but in transition. I will undoubtedly feel different, perhaps think differently even after our conversation which will follow these words.
I have (and Sherry as well) listened patiently these past two weeks. It has not been easy. I have been intentional in what I have said and what I have done. But now is the time for me to say some things and to tell you what I believe. I hope you will receive my words with the same grace and compassion that we have attempted to show others.
I want to divide my remarks into several sections. I want to speak to the action of General Convention; speak to our response; speak to what I believe, and then I want to tell you where I hope to lead us.
Before I start I want to tell you two stories. First. Shortly after I arrived at seminary in the fall of 1987, my bishop called me and asked that I gather the seminarians from West Tennessee for a meeting. He came and “lectured” us about the human sexuality issues in the church. In the course of that “lecture,” I said “surely it stands to reason that the Church has been ordaining homosexual men for centuries.” In great anger, he spun around and said, “how do you know that?” My naivete about the church began to dissolve at that very moment. This conversation is fraught with many pitfalls and very few rewards.
Second. Later in my seminary career the bishop and his wife took Joan and I to dinner at which the bishop’s wife lectured me about the ordination of women (she was adamantly opposed). When the bishop tried to return the conversation to a more hospitable tone, she glared at him and said “he’s going to work for you, you need to know what he thinks.” To his credit he said, “no, I don’t. His obedience to me does not include thinking like me.”
Some 16 years later we are still talking about human sexuality. And it is just at this General Convention, 27 years after we approved the ordination of women, that we said we will no longer be in dialogue about the legitimacy of women’s ordination. It is a fact of our life together. A fact for which I give God thanks and praise! If this women’s ordination journey is any gauge, we’ve got a lot more talking to do about human sexuality.
Now, concerning the action at General Convention:
The Episcopal Church meeting in General Convention voted to confirm the election of the Rev. Canon Gene Robinson as the next bishop of New Hampshire. I do not know this man, but by all accounts he is a ‘faithful priest of our church whose ministry has touched the lives of countless people in the Name of Jesus. Even those members of the Convention who could not support his consent because of their concern about his personal life, quickly concede that he is one of the most talented, qualified, and experienced candidates one could hope to have for a bishop.’
Canon Robinson is gay and in an open, monogamous and committed relationship. The issues we are experiencing concerning his confirmation revolve around his lifestyle, what many believe about homosexuality and how many interpret what Scripture says about homosexuality. I have read extensively about homosexuality and the Bible these past two weeks. I have concluded as many before me that men and women of deep and abiding faith, of sound doctrine and intellect can and do disagree with one another on the interpretation of this Scripture and thus disagree with one another about this action.
There is nothing new in this dialogue concerning our understanding of human sexuality. This dialogue has preoccupied the church — and I mean the broader church, not just the Episcopal Church as many are eager for us to think — of my entire ordained ministry and I’m beginning to think for the rest of my ordained ministry. It is as if we believe that if we know someone’s sexuality we know all there is to know about them. I, for one, do not believe this!
There is something new, however, in this decision. It is that as a national Church, the General Convention acted with truth and integrity on what many, including me, have known for some time that in the Episcopal Church, the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the United Church of Christ, the Reformed Jewish tradition, and several others there are good, faithful and prayerful men and women who love their Lord, are called by God into the ordained ministry, and whose sexual orientation is homosexual. We may not want to believe it or accept it, but it is not new! What is new is that the General Convention has set aside the informal “do not ask; do not tell” approach that we and most other denominations have worked under with truth and integrity to say it out loud. But this action in no way answers every question we have about human sexuality and its faithful and Godly expression. This action simply says: we agree with the people of New Hampshire that The Rev. Canon Gene Robinson should be their next Bishop.
As Episcopalians we should not be surprised by this action. Our church has never shied away from disagreement or controversy. From the days of slavery, to the Civil War, to the civil rights movement, to the ordination of women, the introduction of new Prayer Books and now to this day, the Church has struggled to seek the mind of Christ on issues that provoke deep and painful disagreements and conflict. In each case, the Episcopal Church has been threatened by schism and called apostate by many within and outside this body of Christ. We are still — and I believe we will continue to be — one in Christ. From our founding in the sixteenth century to this day we are a church who struggles to act on our belief that, in Sherry’s words, “no matter how much we disagree, we are united in Christ, that no matter how much we struggle, we are one in Christ.”
As to the action of General Convention concerning the blessing of same-sex unions, I have read and re-read the actual resolution (C051) trying to see exactly where individuals and the press are getting this mistaken notion that the blessing of same-sex unions was approved. The resolution itself is comprised of several resolutions strung together beginning with one of the first resolutions concerning homosexuality adopted at the 1976 General Convention. The only thing new I see are the words calling for a “special commission organized and appointed by the Presiding Bishop of resources to facilitate as wide a conversation of discernment as possible throughout the church.”
This has nothing to do with marriage. No diocese; no parish will have to do anything that they do not choose to do as a result of this vote.
Now, as to our reactions;
The reactions of the people of St. Catherine’s range from support of the action of General Convention to outrage. In a very few instances what has been said and written is abusive. No matter our disagreements, abusive behavior is always unchristian and unacceptable. I have no good or reliable yardstick to measure how we compare to other congregations. In large measure, I’ve been most concerned about us and knowing how others are reacting will not make our situation better or worse.
We will loose some families. Most of the families leaving are young families with children who are actively involved in our life. The conversations with these families have followed a definite pattern. They are seeking a church that will preach absolute Truth — that homosexuality is a sin — provide a “safe” environment for their children where their kids will not hear about or be exposed to homosexuality — and a church who will not elevate a homosexual to a position of trust and leadership. There seems as well to be a concern (largely unexpressed) that St. Catherine’s will start blessing same-sex unions. More about that later. Although hard, I appreciate those families who have taken time to come and visit and share their decision. I admire such integrity. I’m sure there will be others who will simply leave. I know there are others who are struggling with their decision to stay.
I disagree with a decision to leave — but have not been given the opportunity to influence decisions. The results of such a decision is to sever ties with this body of Christ which leaves us diminished and the lesser for it. Their presence is important to us and integral to our ability to be fully the body of Christ in the world. Only by staying at the table do we have the opportunity to enter most fully into the dialogue that will help us know and live God’s will for us and for the world. Their leaving breaks our collective heart. But I understand that for many the time for dialogue hardly ever was and now is certainly past. This is how we are diminished when we solve these great questions with legislative action. No one ever wins in an up or down vote — we all loose. This is why we’ve worked so hard together to live with a consensus based model for decision making. I do not see how the Church could have avoided a vote, but the consequences remain.
In every case, where Sherry and I have been given a chance to respond we’ve told people: you are loved; until you find a new community consider St. Catherine’s your community; until you find a new pastor consider us your pastor; and if you ever decide to return we’ll be waiting with open arms.
This is one reaction. There are others. There are people who agree with and applaud the decision; who disagree with the decision, but will stay because of how they feel about St. Catherine’s, and then a whole body of people our Presiding Bishop called the “diverse center” during General Convention’s opening press conference. This is where I found myself -- that is, until I was thrown into the ring. I have heard from these people mostly in quiet ways. A conversation, an email, a card, a phone message, etc. Many have written to tell me in one man’s words “please be assured that we are ready to step in wherever we could be of use.” There is a tendency on all of our parts to only hear the voices that are the loudest or we think agree with our position. There are, however, many and diverse voices in our community. I hope I speak for many of them tonight.
What do I believe about all this:
I believe that this vote and its consequences are significant and important but it is not about the essentials of our faith. It is not about the primacy of scripture nor the core doctrines of our church. Jesus Christ is Lord is the only dogma of our church. It is Jesus who saves us -- not doctrine, sound or unsound;not this vote or our opinion about it.
I believe that my ministry is about being in communion with one another because of our common love of Jesus Christ and our common desire to be His disciples. This common love and desire brings with it a unity that does not demand absolute uniformity. This is why someone at the meeting on August 10 correctly observed — at least correctly from an Anglican point of view — that it is harder to stay than to leave.
I believe that Jesus Christ; his life, death, and resurrection is the primary authority in my life. I look to the life of Jesus, what he said, what he did, and what he believed, to help me make decisions about my own life and ministry. The primary place I find Jesus is in the scriptures, but I also encounter him in each of you in what you say and do and believe.
I believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary for salvation. In the files of the Diocese of West Tennessee there are two certificates signed by me in the public rite of ordination that say the same thing. I reaffirm that vow to you today.
I believe that in this debate scripture can be used to support either side of the argument. I’ve read more articles titled “Homosexuality and the Bible” these past two weeks than I care to have read. I conclude that debating scripture will not finally answer this question. We need something more. Indeed, Jesus himself recognizes that there always seems to be two sides and both may have scripture to back what they believe. When Jesus’ disciples turn up hungry on the Sabbath and the Sadducees quote the Ten Commandments which say “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” Jesus tells his disciples “go ahead and pick some grain for food. The Sabbath was made for human kind, and not humankind for the Sabbath.” It is not clear to me and many others far more qualified than me that scripture is as clear as some suggest it is on this question of homosexuality. The best I’ve read so far is an article by Walter Wink. I’ve brought a copy for you tonight. I hope you’ll take some time to read it.
I believe men and women of deep and abiding faith who hear and respond to God’s call to the ordained ministry, and as it is our tradition in the Episcopal Church their communities and the larger Church community agree, should be ordained — even when they are gay and lesbian. I’ve been privileged to work with gay and lesbian priests in Chicago and now in Atlanta who are responding in deep faith to God’s call and doing ministry that is changing the lives of their people. They are more than just “some of my friends”, they are my colleagues and like you they reflect the love of Jesus Christ to me. Not once in my ministry by their side has their sexuality been a topic of discussion or a problem to be solved any more than my own sexuality has been a topic of discussion or a problem to be solved by this Vestry.
I believe in the Episcopal Church. It has my faith, my hope, my joy and my obedience. I am an Episcopalian and I will die an Episcopalian. I am not leaving my church. I am not going to lead you or this congregation away from the Episcopal Church. The cries of schism and moral chaos are, I believe, way out of proportion to what is most likely to happen as a result of this action.
I believe that God will work God’s purpose out in God’s good time and in God’s good way. Our task as your clergy, as the Vestry and as the people of God is to not be afraid, to listen to what God is calling for us to do, and to have the grace and courage to respond.
I believe this issue has, for some people, provided a convenient exit strategy from a congregation with which they’ve had some problems with our ministries, our Faith Builds! program and/or serveral other concerns.
I believe that the right response to much of what I’ve heard is education. Education about the church, how our church makes legislative decisions, what we believe as Episcopalians, and yes, education about human sexuality. I will strive to respond to this place we find ourselves by educating and not arguing but providing theologically sound tools to each of you to encourage constructive dialogue. One of the great gifts given to the world by Anglicanism is the respect and honor given to the individual intellect and conscience. The effectiveness of my response will depend on your willingness to engage both.
How do I intend to respond:
There have been times these past two weeks when the words and actions of many seemed just too much to bear. As a result the words of our mission statement ring hollow to me tonight. Listen to them: The people of St. Catherine's seek to share in the love that Jesus Christ has for us and the world by welcoming, accepting, nurturing, and serving all people through the power of the Holy Spirit. We Welcome You! Everyone is eager to tell me how many friends they have who are gay. If I tell my friends their lifestyle is an abomination, they are sinners in need of repentance (which, of course we all are) and I want them to publically deny who they are, but I love them -- well, I don’t think they’ll feel very welcome by me. Even for me it seemed at times these past 14 days easier to leave than to stay because our space at times has not felt safe or welcoming. But I believe these words about us and I think you do to. Therefore, I am going to stay because I want to lead us ever more deeply into this statement.
I’ve heard a couple of times in my conversations, “we’re looking for leadership on this issue.” I intend to give that leadership but not in the ways I suspect some people are expecting. Do not expect me to step into the pulpit and condemn or endorse this action. By doing so I will simply give permission to people who have or will be deciding to leave — and perhaps add some numbers from those who support the Church’s decision — and, in effect, shut down the dialogue.
We will continue to be pastorally present for those who wish to be in
dialogue about this decision.
I have suggested that we write a Vestry Statement and Dan Steinberger,
Jim Greene, Meg Ramsey and Jim Waddell have agreed to help draft that document.
You need to know that I desire that document to focus not just on our division
on this issue but to focus on this Vestry’s commitment to continue to build
and sustain the faith community we have over and over celebrated and given
thanks for these many years. Jesus is working through the power of
this community changing lives and we need to remember and affirm this truth.
We will do some education. We need to know how our church works. How many times did we hear, “my voice wasn’t heard.” I do not believe this. This education about the workings of our church is clearly a responsibility we each share, but we will do some education and we will hold people accountable for being part of decisions from the Vestry to the Diocese of Atlanta Council, to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church.
I will not be doing same-sex blessings. Our Church has spoken that we are too divided to do so. I respect and will be obedient to their decision. More important, I am not theologically ready for such a step. If at some distant point I am ready I will enter into dialogue with the Vestry.
I intend to be more vigilant about what is taught in this congregation.
I believe we need diversity, but such diversity must find its root in what
we believe as Anglicans and how we go about doing theology when it comes
to God, Jesus Christ, Holy Scripture and the ancient creeds of the church.
I intend to preach and act on what I have always preached and acted
on in this congregation and congregations before — that we are called into
community to become the body of Christ in order to go into the world and
be the body of Christ. This is far more important than the narrow
issues of sexuality that divide us at this current moment. I will
continue to call us to remember the many things that unite us.
I’d like to conclude with this paragraph written by a Bishop of our church to his people.
“The life of your Episcopal Church is about much more than the narrow issues of sexuality. The headlines and the broadcasts you see and hear will not reflect it, but the enthusiasm of this convention remains focused on Gospel mission, justice and peace. At Holy Eucharist, a 12- year old girl stretched on her tiptoes in order to reach the microphone and proclaim Holy Scripture in a voice with volume and clarity one seldom hears from adults! A black Bishop of the Church preached the Good News of the Gospel with such fervor and conviction that we frequently interrupted him with cheers of enthusiasm! We broke bread and shared the Body and Blood of Christ, nurtured for Christian life and Christian mission. And then we stepped out to continue the work of the Church, “to love and to serve the Lord.”
These are the words of our faith as Anglicans. This is who we
are as a church. St. Catherine’s will move past this place in our
life. We are being changed by it. We are saddened by it.
We will be strengthened by it. It may well be hard for us to see
this tonight. But faith will lead us through this “valley of the
shadow of death.” Remember, the opposite of faith is not doubt, but
fear. I do not fear what lies ahead even though I know at times it
will seem difficult. I intend to do just what this Bishop calls us towards
— to continue the work of St. Catherine’s — to love and serve the Lord.
And I invite you to do the same.
I remain your servant in Christ,
The Rev. Jim Nixon
Rector