Dear Editor:
On a recent drive to our church in NYC, I drove by a church in my Union City neighborhood. My 5-year-old niece was in the car with me and called my attention St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. “Sisa, is that a church?” I looked over and almost drove off the road. The front of the church had a huge sign essentially asking our local politicians to support “preserving marriage in NJ.”
As I processed my shock and tried to answer ML’s question, I said, “Well that church seems pretty concerned about not allowing everyone to love each other. Jesus teaches us to love each other and treat people fairly and I don’t really think that church teaches that.” She responded, “Oh, so that is not a REAL church?” This is a hot issue – particularly in the church. I am not debating marriage equality. Though as a person of faith, I believe with all my heart and soul that Christ wants us to live in relationship and that God rejoices with us when we commit to our soul mate whether or not that person is the same gender. I also don’t necessarily believe that churches should refrain from expressing their views on social justice issues (even when it differs from my own).
What baffles me is that when you think of ALL of the lessons in the Bible, and the very limited message that can be made on the front steps of a city church, WHY would the ONE message a church promotes be against marriage equity???? Is this the biggest concern that Jesus wants us to address? I just can’t believe that. Does the sign look welcoming? Does it look like a church that helps the poor? (In fact, this church does amazing work with those in need in our community . . . but how could you know?) Does the sign make you feel like you are entering the welcoming embrace of Christ’s love? Does it make this church look like one that is interested in making disciples?
When I arrived at my own church, and celebrated the baptism of our newest church family member, the daughter of two of the most loving, faithful women I know, I felt the Holy Spirit moving through us. As we literally wrapped ourselves in multi-colored ribbons and felt the connection of all of us in a vibrant diverse community, I felt blessed. This is what I want my niece to associate with church. I don’t ever want her to ask “is this a REAL church?”
As we sang, “Marching in the Light of God,” I hope that she was able to feel that light and love surrounding us all, regardless of ethnicity, economic status, gender or sexual orientation. Should she ever be the pastor of a church, I imagine the sign she will post on her church might say, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Peace,
Melissa Hinnen