Katie, I think you hit it. It also affects small churches who can't give 10% to the Diocese, but are sustaining each other and their neighbors as best they can.
Katie, these are powerful words, here. After five years in ministry on the margins of “Our kind of people,” I’ve heard all these excuses and seen all the responses you’ve identified. What complicates my experience is that I present as OKOP. The disappointment — even betrayal — manifest when I land on the “wrong” side of a debate or decision still surprises me. But the consequences are always the same.
Keep preaching, Katie! Good news is not always easy to hear, but our common life depends on it.
I identify so much with the kinds of exclusion you mention. I think all of those have happened to me at different times. I'm going to subscribe because I want you to continue reflecting and writing on this. Love you!!
So painfully true. And we need, desperately, to take down those exclusive/exclusionary walls. Thank you for saying this out loud and in front of God and everybody.
Thank you for writing what I see. Here in NH, the most "Our Kind of People" population density state in the US. I lead a very small congregation in a rural town after 7 years being lay led. The struggle is real. There are little funds to promote growth. I look forward to reading along and learning from your experiences.
We had a diocesan event here in Kansas several years ago devoted to developing a greater sense of openness in our congregations. The visiting presenter's talk was entitled "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You-Really?"
Katie, this is awesome writing! Thank you.
A sad truth, written with dignity.
Katie, I think you hit it. It also affects small churches who can't give 10% to the Diocese, but are sustaining each other and their neighbors as best they can.
Katie, these are powerful words, here. After five years in ministry on the margins of “Our kind of people,” I’ve heard all these excuses and seen all the responses you’ve identified. What complicates my experience is that I present as OKOP. The disappointment — even betrayal — manifest when I land on the “wrong” side of a debate or decision still surprises me. But the consequences are always the same.
Keep preaching, Katie! Good news is not always easy to hear, but our common life depends on it.
I identify so much with the kinds of exclusion you mention. I think all of those have happened to me at different times. I'm going to subscribe because I want you to continue reflecting and writing on this. Love you!!
So painfully true. And we need, desperately, to take down those exclusive/exclusionary walls. Thank you for saying this out loud and in front of God and everybody.
Thank you for writing what I see. Here in NH, the most "Our Kind of People" population density state in the US. I lead a very small congregation in a rural town after 7 years being lay led. The struggle is real. There are little funds to promote growth. I look forward to reading along and learning from your experiences.
We had a diocesan event here in Kansas several years ago devoted to developing a greater sense of openness in our congregations. The visiting presenter's talk was entitled "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You-Really?"