A letter to the church I love by Marissa Duffield
Questions:
- The author shares why she continues to be involved in the church. How do you answer the question she is often asked, “Why are you still involved in the church?”
- The author also writes, “… Scripture is inherently political, Jesus was political … ” What are some of your thoughts about that statement and the author’s encouragement for church members to be more accepting of the political nature of Jesus’ ministry?
- Are you aware of any young adults who are queer or non-binary who might have written a similar letter to your church? If so, what might you write in a reply letter to them?
- Reread the paragraph that begins, “I believe in what our church claims to profess.” If someone were to express similar thoughts, how would you respond?
Growing in friendship and faith by Donald L. Griggs
Questions:
- What are some experiences you have had in developing a relationship with someone from a different culture and faith tradition?
- What is a common thread the author has woven into this article?
- Describe some examples from your experience where non-Catholics might have disparaged the Catholic Church. If you were present and heard such remarks, how did you respond? Or, how do you wish you had responded?
- The author and Jose discussed the election of a new Pope. What are your hopes for Pope Leo XIV’s papacy?
Hospicing White Christianity and midwifing something new by Tamice Spencer-Helms
Questions:
- Reread the paragraph that begins, “The decline of church membership, the rise of religious ‘nones,’ and the exodus of young people from Christian institutions …” Do you agree or disagree with the thesis of that statement? Explain more about your answer.
- The author states that people are leaving the church because they see the church as representing White supremacy rather than representing the radical message of Jesus to accept the stranger, the marginalized, and the “least of these.” What are your thoughts about that assertion?
- In light of what you read in this article, what are your hopes and prayers for Christian churches to enter a season of renewal and rebirth to become more closely aligned with the mandates of Jesus’ teachings?
