We are those who grow old, and we want everyone made to our aged pattern. The Spirit is never old… Oscar Romero
Before I get into an analysis of the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church I would like to say that the most amazing part of my time here has been talking with so many people that I know online and reconnecting with old friends. That is the main reason that I attend things like this and it has been truly a pleasure seeing them.
I know that I am not alone, but I think this has been the most frustrating GA that I have followed since I have been a part of the Presbyterian Church. The hurt and anger that I feel are pretty raw. For those who have had to see that I truly apologize. Still it feels like that there is not only an abandonment of a certain group whose civil rights are so important to our church catching up to the Holy Spirit, it felt like a complete abandonment of an emerging generation of people.
First, let’s talk about homosexuality since it seems that my denomination can never get enough of “studying” and “listening”. Yet, I sometimes feel that they would answer Martin Luther King Jr’s assertion of why we can’t wait with an Obama chant, “Yes we can!” The Spirit of God has already moved a generation well beyond what our church can say publicly on this issue. So much so that homosexuality is really not an issue for them. For those of us vulnerable to ecclesiastical court persecution I am truly sorry.
Second, I would like to say that this has been one of the most blatantly ageist GA assemblies that I have every noticed. The starkness between the “youth” vote and the “mature” has been clear. Some people have openly wondered in conversations why any youth attending this GA would stay in a denomination that not only says very little to them about the good news, but almost seems hostile.
Also, sitting through meals where “occupy” is criticized by those who chose to not lend a hand in leadership or its moral direction is deeply disappointing to me and offensive to those that some in he UN have declared had their human rights violated. It is more clear to me than at any other time that there is not a reciprocity in respect for those who fought the “old” battles for justice and the ones who are faithful now. In event after social justice event if feels like unless the aging social justice class is honored then everything currently done is not valid. It is time for my friends to be good allies of a new generation’s justice issues instead of being distant critics.
Finally, there was something that was far less easy to define that pervaded my conversations. It was a deep sense of disappointment and almost resignation that the denomination that so many of us love could be so painful. We will survive, and unlike others who are dissatisfied we are not going anywhere. Yet, I think that the pain that arose this week was something that I had not seen on so many people in one GA. Maybe it was Tara’s resignation that caused it, but I think that was a mere symptom of a deeper pain that many are now feeling. As one who believes we grieve with those who grieve I am sad with those people who feel like something vital was lost here.
My suggestion is that there is hope in the midst of disappointment and frustration. Some of the things that were passed under the radar have the potential to have deep impacts on racial/ethnic ministry and pay equity. Plus, many of us are talking about creating new peace and justice affinity groups that would have the flexibility to address emerging issues like foreclosures and student loan debts (things that were barely addressed this time around).
One of my favorite graffiti says: There is always hope. That is what I will take from the GA. In the midst of frustration and sadness I will return to Mercy Junction and begin the work of something new.
It was so good to see you in the ‘burgh friend! What a mess we’ve made of this thing called church. I share your sense of pervasive sadness. However, I remain amazed at the faithfulness of so many GLBT sisters and brothers and of the young people who continue to raise their voices in powerful ways. This piece from Ray Bagnuolo reminds me of not only hope for the future but of real change in the present day, and I commend it to you: http://www.bagnuolo.blogspot.com/2012/07/ga220-display-of-amazing-grace.html
Yes. There is always hope. It was so good to see you and give/get hug ever so briefly at the exhibits hall.
Thank you for sharing this! I hear your pain and sadness; but want you to know that your feelings are not unlike the feelings of many of us who have been working on social justice issues in the PCUSA for many years. You are right to look for hope, for that is what has kept many of us carrying on. But our hope is in the assurance that we are just a moment in time in God’s persistent work and we may not see the results we want today, but we keep moving toward the goal. It also helps to recognize that the margins, while divided, are narrowing – we just have to keep teaching, preaching, and opening people’s eyes to the plight of others. I’m convinced our affinity groups did not do this as effectively as they could have at this assembly.
What frustrates me is that it seems that the “ageism” you see is also easily manipulated by the work of those with agendas that politicize in a Fox news style that protects a well funded voice that during the assembly seems to have affirmed greed, sexism, US nationalism and an imperialist Christianity that feels compelled to choose which religious community deserves our support out of a left over WW II guilt, and a misplaced sense of fear of Islam. (In my opinion) The arrogance of these attitudes has allowed our PCUSA voice to remain irrelevant and woefully silent for another two years when we will hash it out again and hopefully move a few more steps toward justice without boundaries.
On one hand, I cheer for your thoughts about new affinity groups. On the other, I’d like to ask you to consider taking a looking at Presbyterian Voices for Justice. They are listening to the voices of our youth and are in the process of “retooling” their efforts to become more pro-active and representative of the progressive (and more youthful) voice that is rising in the PCUSA. My daughter, 23 years old and a passionate social justice advocate, has just taken a position on the board and is helping to look for younger and more racially diverse people to join them on their quest. While the leadership of the group is mostly older, they see this as a handicap in trying to speak to the issues concerning our denomination. Thankfully, not all older adults are stuck in their ways or blind to the issues of our day! We need their resources, knowledge of how to maneuver through the system, and their support in order to move the church. PB4J has strong connections to PHEWA, MLP, Covenant Network, Peace Fellowship, etc. I believe that many of these groups are shifting their emphasis from fighting almost exclusively for LGBTQ ordination to a broader scope of issues. I’m not sure we need new affinity groups if those that we have are willing to listen and work on the issues that are important to our members of all ages at this time and place. PB4J and others have had a strong voice and some muscle in the system – if we can help them adapt to the challenges we have before us, I believe it will make a powerful impact.
In the meantime, I will join you in prayer and inspiration and will give thanks for those, like you, will hang in there and keep working! One thing I always remember is that it wasn’t easy for Jesus to reform his faith community, it probably won’t be any easier for us – but we can and do make a difference; even if it is slower than we’d like.
Some of us have been standing up for GBLT rights in our NE TN presbytery since ordination 26 years ago and sadly NOTHING has changed. The youth are leaving because they can plainly see the hypocrisy. I can no longer work due to working too hard over the years and am now disabled. After this vote I have decided to retire and work with my husband for GBLT rights in society as our church as so plainly let it be known it does not care.
It is frustrating isn’t it. The truth has been known since creation, and it’s never been changed. How is it that people in the church have become so confused, have been so misled, that they want to exchange the truth of God for the lies of culture. And how is it that our seminaries have so completely failed to teach truth. In some votes 80% of seminarians were willing to institutionalize sexual sin. When so many presbyteries fail to discipline their current members, can we trust them to faithfully examine the next generation of pastors? Trying times indeed brother, but there is always hope.
Michael~ I’ll keep you in my prayers. You do seem sad and frustrated.