Opening Hearts, Healing Wounds: Inclusive Love and Truthful Reconciliation

A few days ago, Bishop Sam shared an article entitled "Deepening Relationships," as part of the Set Sail strategic planning process in the diocese. The bishop reflects on the significance of deepening relationships with God and fellow believers as the foundation for renewal and revival in the Diocese. He inspires readers to take their faith seriously, promoting justice, peace, and stewardship of God's creation. I share the Bishop's emphasis on reclaiming our baptismal identity, and inspired by his reflections, I'd like to add my own to the conversation.

While the call for deeper relationships is essential, it is crucial to acknowledge the concerns and wounds experienced by marginalized communities, particularly 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and indigenous people. Ignoring these challenging questions not only perpetuates exclusion but also represents a failure to fully embrace our baptismal identity as Christians. I say this not to find fault with Bishop Sam's reflections, but to enhance them. (Perhaps as a parish priest, I have the opportunity to be more challenging in different ways than he does!)

Embodying Love and Acceptance

Our baptismal vows call us to love our neighbors as ourselves, treating every individual with dignity and respect. This mandate extends to our 2SLGBTQ+ siblings, who have historically faced rejection and discrimination within religious institutions. Many 2SLGBTQ+ individuals have felt unwelcome or unable to trust the church due to the harmful rhetoric and actions directed towards them. To truly deepen our relationship with God and others, we must actively confront any biases, prejudices, or exclusions that hinder the full inclusion of our 2SLGBTQ+ neighbours in the life of the church.

This requires us to listen attentively to their stories, empathize with their experiences, and strive to create safe and affirming spaces where they can authentically express their identities and fully participate in the life of the church. By embracing their identities, listening to their experiences, and advocating for their rights, we can embody the compassionate love of Christ and foster a truly inclusive faith community. We must recognize that our baptismal identity calls us to stand alongside our 2SLGBTQ+ siblings, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and loved within the body of Christ.

Confronting Past Wrongs

Our baptismal covenant also challenges us to seek and serve Christ in all persons. This means engaging in the process of truth and reconciliation with indigenous communities, acknowledging the painful legacy of residential schools and the ongoing harm endured by indigenous peoples. The dark chapter of history involving the residential school system is not just a story of the past, but a current reality that still leaves deep scars in the lives of indigenous individuals and communities, leading to intergenerational trauma and a fractured relationship with the church.

As Christians, we are called to listen to their stories, learn from their wisdom, and actively participate in the pursuit of justice, healing, and reconciliation. This journey of reconciliation requires us to confront the difficult truths of our collective history, stand in solidarity with indigenous communities, and work towards dismantling systemic injustices. We must support indigenous-led initiatives, engage in education and dialogue, and advocate for meaningful change that addresses the root causes of inequality and injustice faced by indigenous peoples.

A Betrayal of our Baptismal Identity

By turning a blind eye to the concerns of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and indigenous communities, we betray our baptismal identity and fail to live out the fundamental principles of our faith. Ignoring these difficult questions perpetuates exclusion, division, and harm. To deepen our relationship with God and others, we must have the courage to ask these tough questions and take meaningful actions to address the injustices and wounds inflicted upon these communities.

We must examine our own biases and prejudices, seeking to root them out and replace them with love, acceptance, and compassion. We must educate ourselves about the experiences of marginalized communities and actively challenge the systems and structures that perpetuate inequality and discrimination. It is through intentional engagement, advocacy, and solidarity that we can begin to repair the broken relationships and build a church that reflects the fullness of God's love for all people.

Difficult Questions

To deepen our relationships, sometimes we must be prepared to engage with difficult questions:

1. How can we address the historical and ongoing harm inflicted upon marginalized communities, particularly 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and indigenous people, by the church? What concrete steps can be taken to foster trust, understanding, and healing?

2. How do we ensure that our worship spaces and communities are genuinely inclusive and affirming, where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or indigenous heritage, feel safe, accepted, and loved?

3. What actions can the church take to actively support and amplify the voices and leadership of marginalized communities, ensuring that their perspectives and experiences shape the direction of the faith community?

4. How can we promote education, awareness, and understanding within our faith communities about the lived realities, struggles, and contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and indigenous peoples?

5. How do we align our teachings and practices with the values of justice, compassion, and equality for all, so that the church becomes a force for positive change and a sanctuary for the marginalized?

Inclusive Love and Truthful Reconciliation

As baptized Christians, we are called to embody love, acceptance, and truth. This requires us to actively engage with the concerns of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and indigenous communities, integrating their experiences and wisdom into the fabric of our faith communities. By upholding the dignity of every human being and seeking genuine reconciliation, we fulfill our baptismal vows and manifest the transforming power of God's love.

Once again, I am grateful to Bishop Sam for his efforts to lead the diocese into a more robust appreciation of our baptismal identity, and for the opportunity to further the conversation. I hope we can rise to the challenge, confront these difficult questions, and set sail on a journey of inclusive love and truthful reconciliation. May we be agents of healing, advocates for justice, and compassionate allies to all those who have been marginalized and harmed. In doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to living out our baptismal identity and becoming a church that reflects the boundless love and grace of our Creator.