Dear Friends
In our previous Newsletter I reflected on the addition of the word inclusive in our Parish Mission Statement. I am wondering if you have any thoughts on the question I asked in conclusion:
So who do you respect, expect and include in your circle at St Andrew’s?
I’m hoping that in asking the question we have, even on a subconscious level, become more aware of the people around us; and that we are increasingly intentional in drawing the stranger in? I am often aware during the tea after the 9am Eucharist that when walk into the Hall there is always a buzz of friendly chatter and groups of two or three or more engaged in lively conversation; but I am also aware of people standing or sitting on their own, not included. I visited Ian Bailey in hospital on Monday and he expressed his amazement at how many Church people had visited him over the last ten days. Simon Finsen, too, is greatly appreciative of the breadth of care he has received around his recent bout in hospital. We are a caring community, but intentionality in stretching our personal and community boundaries ever remains important.
I had the privilege of representing the Diocese at the Western Cape Consultation for the Archbishop’s Commission on Human Sexuality in June. The consultation concluded with an open session where individuals and couples of a variety of sexual orientation were able to share their stories without comment or discussion. These were stories of pain and joy, suffering and healing, hope and longing, and presented a beautiful tableau of who we all are in God. It gave hope for a Church where we can put judgement aside, and truly love each other for who we are. It, too, was a picture of the inclusive nature of God’s love, and of what I perceive we as the broader Church need to embrace.
At our monthly Archdeaconry Clergy Fellowship this morning we had a lively discussion around issues of patriarchy, and the need for us to be conscious of seeking justice in practical relational ways; that it is not just systemic issues that need to be addressed, but the manner in which we are intentional in being relationally inclusive of each other. For the clergy it is about moving away from the need to use titles in addressing one another, and having the courage to navigate ourselves around the rich diversity of culture we represent. It is again about who we respect, expect and include, and how we choose to do that.
The land debate, especially around the South African Constitution and the expropriation of land without compensation, is in essence also a debate about inclusion, specifically the inclusion of those who have been excluded due to the influence of Colonisation and Apartheid on the South African landscape (pun intended!). While it is a highly politicised issue at this juncture in our history, on a basic human level it is about sharing our common resources, and giving others opportunity. I am aware that in this instance, or those mentioned above, our discomfort is often due to our need for power and our need to control our access to resources. The words of Jesus to the rich young man are both informative and freeing:
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21 NRSV)
What do we need to let go of in order to be set free? What is limiting our lives, our relationships, and our faith?
A blessed Springtime to you all
Mark
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