Tonight was the “Be One” 40th anniversary celebration, which was great. I can’t decide if I hope someday there will be a similar celebration of unity when it comes to gay people in the church, or if I hope there doesn’t need to be because the idea of differences among believers just becomes so normal. I think I’d prefer the latter, and that’s much more likely. Gay culture doesn’t seem like it has much that could be celebrated within a church context.
Maybe I just wish that tonight, in the message of inclusivity – saying that “differences in culture, language, gender, race and nationality fade into insignificance as the faithful enter the covenant path and come unto our beloved Redeemer” – I wish that statement had included the word ‘sexual orientation’. I wish there was more stated inclusiveness for that group. At the same time, I’m not sure what that would look like. I understand not wanting to put race and homosexuality in the same category, it isn’t fair to either group, though they do have the comment element of being different from a norm, not by choice.
Love and inclusiveness is what has been taught in my church experiences, but there is something about the prophet or other church leader explicitly, very publicly, and proactively (rather than reacting to questions or accusations) expressing that inclusiveness. But I don’t know what I want the church to do. It’s not an easy line to walk for an institution, easier for individuals to ‘hate the sin but love the sinner’. Hard for an institution designed to help encourage and support ‘non-sinful’ behavior. And yet I find myself sort of yearning for a similar message of inclusiveness to what I saw tonight.
I’m lucky to feel that from my friends and family, and from the Lord. I know I’m loved the way I am, that happiness is the plan, and that I’m supported as I try to get there…that’s more than a lot of people can say. I don’t need a worldwide celebration to say Amen and Hallelujah to that.
A New Song in My Mouth 
Such a treat to wake up to some of your writing. You put into words both the conundrum and the truth so well. It seems to me you will continue to do a lot of good in the world!
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I really wish for that too. It seems like such an obvious way that church leaders can reach out and make everyone feel loved…in a very Christlike way. It’s too bad that the message of inclusiveness as it relates to gay member of the church probably won’t come for at least a few more years. Very frustrating.
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