From the Rector
In my life, I know that when I draw closer to God and when I fully embrace God's love and healing work in the world, I am more fully able to look at the world through a lens of hope. Scripture tells us that God's hope for all of us is that we may be one people through Christ. When I am closest to God, I am able to see all people as brothers and sisters in Christ. When I am spiritually far from God, I start to draw distinctions. Christ continually calls us to "love one another." I am proud to be a part of a church that lives into this call. To my LGTBQ brothers and sisters at St. Martin's and beyond, I am honored to be your priest, friend, family member, baptizer of your children, the officiant at your wedding, and your ally.
Yesterday was the anniversary of my graduation from seminary. When I went to seminary, the consecration of Gene Robinson was fresh in everyone's minds. In the years since graduation, I have seen some amazing changes in terms of acceptance and inclusion. In terms of acceptance, while there is work still to be done, nationally the Episcopal Church USA has done well. Sadly, on the local level, for some churches in this diocese, St. Martin's still serves as the place of "pastoral oversight." This means that if same-sex couples desire to be married and their church will not bless this union, we are asked to step in by providing pastoral care or worship space, or both. As I think about how St. Martin's can work towards being more inclusive, this process of "pastoral oversight" sticks in my head. Over the course of this next year and the election of our new bishop, and beyond if necessary, I promise to work toward the end of this oversight process. Not by denying the sacrament of marriage to those from other churches whose congregation and clergy have denied it, but rather by encouraging all churches to offer the sacraments as we do.
Finally, for the young person who is struggling with issues over their sexuality, please know you are not alone. Your church loves you, supports you, affirms you, and will listen to you. Your church believes that love is love, and we reaffirm the belief that God calls us to love everyone ... no exceptions.
In Christ,
Mitch+