She has a page called “Anglimergent.” Love that! She has authored a wonderful book on Radical Welcome. She is brilliant, funny and faithful. She is a dear friend of mine who I really need to see soon because it has been way too long.
She has a wonderfully alive image that draws me to her — wow, a priest who looks like FUN!
And then there is this beauty in presiding:
Did you see this article?
It makes my heart hurt.
Because we stayed quiet and insular while the religious right claimed and contorted the word “God” and preached a horrific distortion of the gospel.
Well, I’m not giving up, are you?
Colleagues like Stephanie keep me inspired. And you all, and my work with the living Church and beautiful congregations keep me committed.
So let’s get out there and be God people, Compassion people, Spirit people. Not to convert, but to heal, to serve, to witness, and to love.
Let’s get seriously into some hope today. Look alive, my darlings. The world awaits your vibrant presence.
Oh, this article hurts my heart. I have many friends who are agnostic or “spiritual”, and who have shied away from traditional religion. We need to show young people (of my generation and younger) that progressive, liberal, welcoming churches exist. Radical hospitality, radical faith and love, radical openness: the truth and root of Christianity. If we show people that churches are about community and love, we might have a chance. Certainly, this Me First, Super Independent generation (that I am a part of, no finger-pointing here) doesn’t like being told what to believe or what to think. But if we give people a community where we can explore our questions, hopes, and fears, maybe we will have more to offer than they thought.
Youth and young adults are vacant from all religious traditions; many people are raised in a faith, abandon it during college and young adulthood, and return or find a new faith when they have children of their own. If we can be voices for progressive, inclusive, welcoming religious communities, the Millenial Generation will come back to us when they’re ready.
Your line beginning “So let’s get out there and be God people…” struck me so much that it is now featured in a brand new sidebar feature–Bookgirl’s Current Favorite Quote–on the sidebar of my blog. Thanks. –Wendy