There is an interesting story about Jesus in the Bible that has inspired a number of differing interpretations.  It comes from the fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.  Jesus is traveling in the non-Jewish territory of Tyre and Sidon and unexpectedly crosses paths with a Canaanite/Gentile woman.  The woman asks Jesus to intervene on behalf of her daughter who is being tormented by a demon.  At first, Jesus, surprisingly, simply ignores the woman.  He then proclaims that his work is meant only for his fellow Jewish people.  Indeed, although it is uncomfortable for we Christians to acknowledge, Jesus even issues the following offensive statement: “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”  The woman persists, however, and says, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”  

It is then that Jesus seems to come to himself.  He has an epiphany of sorts.  His mind and heart become open to the possibility that even his conception of the wonder and goodness and grandeur of the Kingdom of God was too small.  In a flash of grace, insight, humility and self-reflection, Jesus realized that God’s Kingdom was way more expansive and inclusive than he had realized.  He comes to understand that God’s Kingdom, and by correlation, his ministry, includes not only Jewish folk, but Gentiles as well.  He responds to the woman with “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”  And her daughter was healed instantly.  

Isn’t this remarkable?  Isn’t it amazing that even Jesus, whom we assume understood all things and behaved appropriately and faithfully at all times, was capable of growing and coming into an even greater knowledge and love of the ways and will of God?  And if Jesus’ heart and mind could be changed, shouldn’t we, too, allow our hearts and minds to be molded and altered by the love of God?

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Episcopal Church has, as have many other faith communities around the world, engaged in extensive prayer, reflection, study, and dialogue about issues of sexuality.  As a result, the Episcopal Church has very publicly and boldly proclaimed its support of LGBTQI+ people.  In 1976, the General Convention adopted resolutions stating that “homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church”, and that they “are entitled to equal protection of the laws with all other citizens.”  Over the years, the General Convention and Executive Council have reaffirmed these resolutions, as well as calling the church to greater understanding, awareness, and inclusion of LGBTQ persons in the full life of the church.

This has ruffled many feathers.  There have been a number of people, congregations, and even dioceses that have taken issue with the Church’s stance, and there has been much pressure for the Church to reverse its position.  And yet, as the Episcopal Church has been guided by God’s Spirit, we have remained steadfast in our proclamation that God’s Kingdom not only includes and accepts, but affirms and celebrates such people and their various ministries among us. There is always room for disagreement in the Episcopal Church, however, as together we pray and grow and serve.  Indeed, just as the Canaanite woman disagreed with Jesus and so helped him gain critical additional insight regarding the Kingdom of God, so we Episcopalians believe that through disagreement and prayerful dialogue, always pleading for the wisdom and leading of the Holy Spirit, we discover the faithful way forward.

Support of LGBTQI+ folks represents an evolution in the Episcopal Church’s theology.  Like Jesus, whose heart and mind were broken open by the grace of God and the persistence of the Canaanite woman, the Episcopal Church has moved to a different place than that of the Church a hundred years ago.  Personally, I do not believe that the shift has come primarily as the result of political pressure or strenuous effort to remain culturally relevant.  Rather, I believe that the Church has done its level best to listen for the voice of God and move in accordance with God’s Spirit.  I hope that, not only during the month of June but throughout this year and every year, we may continue to affirm and celebrate the lives of LGBTQI+ people.  And if you find yourself in a theological place at odds with that of your Church, may you continue both to listen to others and to speak your own truth as together we seek God’s will and walk the Way of Christ Jesus.

Note: On June 25th, Deacon Margaret Thor and several other St. John’s parishioners will join the people of St. Mark’s Cathedral and other Episcopalians to march in support of LGBTQI+ people.  If you would like to join them, please contact Margaret at <deacon01@stjohnwilderness.org> or simply meet up in the parking lot at 9am to drive down to Minneapolis.

~Father Art