50 Years of Women Priests
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Dear friends and members of St. Matthew's,
This week, the church marks the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women. For many of you, who were able to attend our screening in April of The Philadelphia Eleven, I hope this is a much more familiar story. And that you have fond memories of having Carter Heyward with us to share her experiences and her wisdom as someone who stood on the front line of that battle and insisted, along with her sister Priest, on dignity for all people. This week, there are many screenings happening around the country - and if you missed the film, there's a chance for you to register to watch it online here.
One of the pieces that Carter talked about passionately when she was here was how hard it was to balance love of church, a desire to follow the canons, and the really persistent call of God, what she and her sister Priests knew to be right. They ventured forth bravely, towards God's mission of love, towards a reality in which all people have dignity and are seen as equal in the eyes of God and in the eyes of the church. They did this thoughtfully and faithfully, but it was also an act of civil disobedience. They rocked the boat, the broke the canon, and they changed the church by calling it forward from a place out front - a place they weren't meant to go. And they went there with help - with the help of some brother Bishops who stood beside them and ordained them, with the support of other Priests - women and men, gay and straight, people of many different races and ethnicities. They went there with the Church of the Advocate, a historically black congregation in Philadelphia. These brave women went in good company, with good help, with allies, mentors, and friends. Not alone, but together with the people of God, sent forward on a mission to further free God's love to do the work that only God's love can do in the world. There was no Lone Ranger. No one out in left field by themselves. The call of God was visible in community, in connection, in trust and in mutual relationship.
There is a time and a place for civil disobedience like that. In our country, it has led to rights and dignity for women, for people of color, for immigrants, for the marginalized, for many who the world my call "different". People who Jesus would have called, "friend," and "beloved." And in our church, civil disobedience has sometimes had the same effect. When brave people are willing to take a risk, willing to put themselves in harm's way, willing to force the issue in order to make sure that all people have a seat at the table. As Christians, we are sometimes called to rock the boat - thoughtfully - and faithfully - in the name of love. In the name of dignity. In the name of equality.
Your path may not have included being a prophet on an issue like women's ordination, but you are certainly called to live out your faith in the world. You are surely called to help God's love do the work that only God's love can do in the world. You are called, with your own hands and feet, to witness to that love - to travel with God's people - and to work together - so that God's love can continue to change minds, hearts, and the world. So that we can all journey - and witness more fully - to the peace and love that are characteristic of the reign of God.
How can you do that today? And tomorrow? And next week? How are you called to get out ahead of God's love - and clear the path - make a way - and make room for God to do God's wonderful work? How can we do that with you? How can we go together?
Lots of new opportunities coming our way toward the end of this summer and early this fall! Stay tuned. Come see us on Sunday if you're in town. Until we are together again, God loves you. And so do I.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector