-

'Inclusive' moderator excludes and doesn't bless non-GLBTs An open letter to Dr. Susan R. Andrews, moderator of the 215th General Assembly. Friday, February 13, 2004 Your theme at Pasadena Presbyterian Church on Feb. 8 was "hearing voices long silenced." By the end of the morning, I felt silenced. I was visiting Pasadena for a doctor of ministry course at Fuller Theological Seminary. After a week away from my family in Oregon, I craved a healthy dose of Presbyterian connectionalism. How delighted I was on Sunday to discover a PCUSA congregation within walking distance, and even more delighted to learn that you, our moderator, were preaching. At first I felt quite welcome. A retired pastor and missionary couple in the pew greeted me warmly with all the sense of family I needed. So, what made me feel silenced? It began toward the end of your well-crafted sermon. You began with powerful stories of Christians around the world silenced by religious persecution, political oppression and global economic structures. You called us to the "deep baptismal waters" where Christ calls us to work for love and justice. Amen! But then you turned to the divisive issue of ordination for "GLTB" Presbyterians (gay, lesbian, transgender and bi-sexual). You applauded the congregation for advocating GLTB ordination. During the sermon and the talk-back time afterward, you called those who share your views on the issue "progressive," "open" and "inclusive." The unspoken message was clear. It implies that Presbyterians, like me, who support the current constitutional language are regressive, closed and exclusive. Further, your sermon included a "bless you" for all who support GLTB ordination. Where was the blessing for the rest of us? We were excluded. My congregation in Oregon is far from unanimous on any debate. Our membership includes both conservatives and those you called "good liberals." The congregation, when I arrived, had deep wounds from battles between theological camps. Therefore, I am careful how I use my words. For example, while Amendment O was pending, I invited a Lutheran pastor friend who favors GLTB ordination to a joint forum at my church. We did not debate. We simply took ten minutes each to share our views and answer questions. Then I said, "I want you to know that while my friend and I disagree, we remain friends. And whatever your view on this issue, I still love you in Christ, and I'm still your pastor." Our church even hosted a Presbyterywide forum for pastors and elders to discuss the issue in a non-hostile environment. Sadly, I was the only pastor present who did not favor GLTB ordination. The others, I later learned, were tired of being stereotyped as hateful Biblical literalists, closed and exclusive. At Presbytery meetings I have and will speak out. But from the pulpit I make it my practice to speak so that no one feels silenced. If I bless, the blessing is for all, not just for those who agree with me. I expected the same treatment from my Moderator. As a visitor at Pasadena Presbyterian, I decided not to spoil the party by sharing my sense of hurt and exclusion. The question-answer time concluded with hearty applause; then the elder hosting the event said to you, "May your voice never be silenced." Mine was. Rev. Greg Lund, pastor Oak Hills Presbyterian Church Milwaukie, Ore.

Respond to this article

Home · Archives · The Layman · PLC Publications Presbyterian Lay Committee · Feedback · Links