Love them anyway

I know that Scott has already posted on this blog about Friday night's Integrity Eucharist, but I would like to add a comment. When Scott originally asked me to post, he asked me to simply share my view - being from a different lens then the rest of the deputation - with the readers back in the Diocese of Rhode Island.

After a long hard day of working in the House of Deputies as a page, Rev'd John Van Siclen, Rev'd Craig Burlington and I headed over to Trinity Church for the Integrity Eucharist. Once in the Church we headed up to the balcony, where we had front row seats, thanks to Addie Burlington.

As we awaited the start of the service I had butterflies in my stomach, from being so excited. You could feel the love and excitment that filled the Church. Before we knew it the processional started. In came dozens of clergy and at the end of the procession The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson - the evenings preacher. The four of us in the upper balcony became very excited to see the smile of Rev'd Al Barnaby, clergy alternate, as he vested and took part in the service.

The power in the voices of the congregation was over whelming. It was the voices of over 1000 Episcopalians gathering in love for one another. Finally the time came, what for me was the highlight of the service. The Bishop Robinson stepped into the pulpit to address this spirited congregation. After a touching tribute to his partner Mark, and the members of the LGBT community - to which he addressed his sermon - he called all "homosexually challenged" visitors to listen as well. His sermon held one main theme - "Love them anyways".

Bishop Robinson shared with us thoughts on "what makes Gene tick." After sharing a story with us he shared that he knew the moment in which everything changed for him. He shared with us that he knew it was not going to be easy and that he would be persecuted, but that is what we are all called to do. He spoke of this in the context of a conversation with God. After questioning what God was asking of him God simply (or not so simply) replied, "Love them anyways". The remaining duration of the sermon focused on this theme.

By the end of the sermon I was so moved to the point of tears. There has never been a time where I have more felt the power of the Holy Spirit, the peace of Christ, and the love of God. As the service continued the energy of the room grew. As the service progressed I found myself thanking God for being with Fr. John and the Burlingtons. It was my first Integrity service and it truly touched my heart. To have my friends at my side was wonderful - a true testament of love. Then when it came time for communion Rev'd Al Barnaby came up to our balcony with the chalice. Seeing him was the last straw for me. At that point my eyes felt like a running faucet.

It is after I have had time to reflect on the evening that I realize we are all called to "Love them anyways". It does not matter who or what you are, we are called to love those who presecute us. My only wish is that all of the Bishops and Deputies here at convention could have heard the powerful sermon, given by Bishop Robinson. There is some incredibly important legislation before the two houses at this year's General Convention. Yet, it is important for all making these important decision to keep in mind that consept of "Lov[ing] them anyways".

No matter what has happened in the past we, as a Christian peoples, are called to a life of reconciliation and of love.