28 Jun 2018 |
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It has been several days since Gather ’18 has ended, and we are still tired (for those who missed our social media updates throughout the week, check out our summary of events after this reflection). This has been a long few months for us. But we are not discouraged, even though a motion to discuss a motion to create a task force on sexuality was defeated 65% to 35%. Even though we heard people say that there are more important topics to discuss. Even though we could not be Covenant and talk about what is on the hearts and minds of so many.
We heard critics telling us things are never going to change. We heard Covenanters tell us we should leave. We heard people charging us that our cause for justice will lead to a split. We heard from our own allies that talking does no good and that we are wasting our time.
We disagree.
First of all, Christ is the great world-changer. We follow Christ. Secondly, we have not discerned a call to leave. Rather, we have heard many Covenanters express their gratefulness that they are not alone. Thirdly, we know many who, because they, their family, or their friends are LGBTQ, have been forced out or could not in good conscience stay in this denomination. The current position and posture are already driving people away. Finally, we believe in the power of prayer and relationships. We are Covenant; we believe we are better together. We understand not all are called to stay. We respect those whose decision is different than ours. But for this time and this place, we are glad we are here and that you are here with us.
There are TEN reasons we left this meeting grateful.
God’s spirit was there at Gather ’18. Organizational change takes time. Some of us have been on this journey for decades; they are still with us and so is God. Amen and amen!
Perspective is important when we analyze results. We prefer to avoid false dichotomies which turn everything into right or wrong, win or lose, this issue or that issue. We saw progress. We heard conversations. We prayed together.
We are deeply grateful to all who lifted up the Covenant in prayer. We share your lamentation that some of the words we heard were hard. But we also tend to take the long view, understanding that all fights for justice take a long time. We are glad that we are surrounded by so many who want to stay Covenant, who want to make a difference, and who trust that while we must each do our part, God is in charge of the whole. In God we put our trust and our hope.
Stay in touch. Consider how you can help. Even if you can’t be a delegate next year, perhaps you could raise money for someone who wants to attend. Have a meeting with your leadership team or council regarding who’s missing from your table. In all things, continue to pray.
Sunday, June 17: Rev. Steve Armfield preached at First Covenant Minneapolis.
Monday, June 18: Rev. Dan Collison’s suspension was sustained. His response:
My wife Holly and I are so deeply grateful for the more than 50 supporters who showed up in person [Monday], and for everyone’s prayers and support across the Covenant over the last month, and through today’s Board of Ordered Ministry appointment. The meeting resulted in a continued suspension of my ministry credentials. Yet, there is reason for hope as long as we continue to pray and dialogue together about these critically important matters. I said this in my meeting: “as a missional pietistic people, we have a very capable vehicle to carry us into the future. We simply have to trust that the Holy Spirit and our historic commitments will help us now, more than ever, discover new ways to be better together!”
Tuesday, June 19: Rev. Judy Peterson’s suspension was lifted. She was placed on provisional probation.
Wednesday, June 20: Rev. Steve Armfield’s suspension was lifted. He was placed on provisional probation.
Thursday, June 21: The Covenant Ministerium held their Annual Meeting. A motion for a task force on sexuality was referred to the Board of Ordered Ministry.
Friday, June 22: The Annual Meeting of the ECC commenced, and it was a busy day for us. A sampling of details:
Saturday, June 23: The Annual Meeting continued:
Sunday, June 24: Rev. Judy Peterson preached at First Covenant Minneapolis.