When talking about the Episcopal Church, many of us say "we": we believe this, we're like that, we worship like this, we pray like that. But the Episcopal Church is a "big tent," culturally, geographically, ethnically, and in terms of beliefs, orientation, and identity. As you watch the videos below, think about how you've encountered diversity in the church:
Video Set 1:
Por que soy Episcopal (Latino-American)
(In Spanish. Only watch a little if you're not a Spanish speaker)
(In Spanish. Only watch a little if you're not a Spanish speaker)
Questions for discussion
- How much diversity have you experienced in the Episcopal Church? This could include differences in race, class, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, beliefs, language, and more.
- What are some challenges of diversity in the church? What are some of the benefits?
Repenting for the sins of the church
How does the Episcopal Church repent of its sins of
genocide, racism, and homophobia (among other things)? Keep in mind that the Episcopal Church in
America has a mixed history. In some
places, it provided support and a voice for Native Americans. In others, it helped wrap scripture around
treaty violations, cultural destruction, and forced removal from ancestral
lands. In some places, it helped
African-American fugitive slaves find freedom and spoke out for the abolition
of slavery. And yet, the Episcopal
Church itself, as well as several dioceses and parishes, owned slaves. Mark Anthony DeWolf Howe was the first bishop
of Central Pennsylvania and helped create the first American hymnal, but he was
part of the DeWolfe family of Rhode Island which controlled 60% of the slave
shipping industry in America. More
recently, Gene Robinson was the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican
Communion, but in some dioceses, priests may not bless same sex unions and
LGBTQ candidates for ordination are not supported. Please watch just a few minutes of the videos
below to get a sense of what the Episcopal Church has done and is doing to
repent for these and other issues:
Video Set 2:
(Watch the first two minutes. Watch more at home if you wish, but be aware that there are graphic images of violence and discussion of genocide)
Slavery and the Church
(Watch through about 4:22 now, and watch the rest at home if you want)
(Watch through about 4:22 now, and watch the rest at home if you want)
Chicago Consultation on LGBTQ Issues
(Watch through about 2:27 now, and watch the rest at home if you want)
(Watch through about 2:27 now, and watch the rest at home if you want)
Questions for discussion
- What are your reactions to the videos you watched?
- Should an institution "repent" of its sins? Discuss the pros and cons of doing so.
- Why should we push for or participate in repentance for things that we personally may have had nothing to do with?
Living out God's call to justice
Jesus began his public ministry in Luke by saying: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." (4:18-19) As Episcopalians, our Baptismal Covenant makes it clear that this is what we are called to do. In the last video, Bishop John Armes of Scotland raises some thought-provoking questions about what that means for us today:
Video 3: Living Out God's Call to Justice
Questions for discussion
- Bishop Armes makes a distinction between helping people by providing direct assistance and working to change structures that cause people to need assistance. Which one of these are you more comfortable and familiar with?
- What are some ways that you think about what it means to follow God's call for justice in your everyday life? Are there any ways that you might like to do more? What are some of the barriers?
- What are some of the ways that we as a congregation are engaged with justice work? What are some ideas for expanding this work, given who we are and where we are?
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