Historically, the Presbyterian Church has taken deep interest in the welfare of immigrants and refugees. John Calvin insisted that Geneva become a haven of hospitality and hope for Protestant refugees fleeing persecution. Refugees and immigrants from England, Germany and other countries hostile toward the Protestant Reformed faith comprised the earliest Presbyterian congregations in the English colonies. The arrival of Scots-Irish immigrants spurred the evangelical and missional spirit of Presbyterians by the early 19th century, leading to intentional work with the many ethnic immigrants from around the globe who arrived in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. As a result, it is not surprising that the three primary branches of the Presbyterian Church in the 20th century – the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (PCUSA), the United Presbyterian Church of North America (UPCNA) and the Presbyterian Church of the United States (PCUS) – participated … [Read more...]
A home for all
Here is the sad fact: Every time I step into a church, I never expect to be fully welcomed. As a nonbinary Christian who is attracted to people of all genders, I have been involved in conversations about gender, sexuality and inclusion my entire life. Ever since I can remember, congregations and denominations have been debating what they believe about parts of my identity. One of the results of these conversations is that churches, across the spectrum, are more upfront about what they believe. Church websites have moved from vague mentions of sexuality to state explicitly what they do or don’t believe to be sin. Some churches have adopted “open and affirming” statements or affiliated with denominational organizations that work for full inclusion of people of all genders and sexualities. All of this work is important and gives those of us looking for a congregation a base from which to discern whether or not a particular church would be a place where we could find a home. The … [Read more...]
John Lomperis
“There’s obviously no joy in the pain of others, whether we agree or disagree.” – John Lomperis, a delegate from Indiana to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, regarding the debate about ordination of LGBTQ persons and same-sex marriage. … [Read more...]
Latin American Catholic Bishop’s Conference (40 years ago)
40 years ago — March 19, 1979 The Third General Conference of Latin American Bishops (CELAM III) met in Puebla, Mexico, January 28 to February 13. Though the document is not as bold as the Medellin document drafted in Medellin, Columbia, in 1968, it still takes a stand for the poor. The bishops seemed to be aligned into three groups. There is a conservative group that seeks to avoid conflict between the church and the dictatorial governments and systems. There is a group of progressives that encourages a church that aligns with the people and seeks to be a liberating community of faith and hope. And then there is a third group, a dominating group, “which accepts and rejects in part both of the other two sector’s positions.” The document does stress that the church needs to understand the Latin American people in their historical context, which has been one of abject poverty. This poverty is the result of “economic, social and political situations and structures” and demands “a … [Read more...]
Faith & gender — April 1, 2019
The topic of gender identity is prevalent in our culture, and yet the church talks little about it. Many in our congregations know what it means to wrestle with gender identity — personally or alongside a family member, friend or parishioner. How equipped are we to have thoughtful theological, pastoral and biblical conversations about what it means to be transgender, gender fluid or nonbinary? Are we prepared to offer informed pastoral care? This issue of the Presbyterian Outlook offers insights and resources that begin to address these questions. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Biblical abundance & gender Understanding God as abundant removes limits on an understanding of whom God loves and welcomes into community. The importance of languageA church in North Carolina sought to better understand the transgender experience and walk faithfully with these children of God. Loving the foreigner In New Mexico, a congregation opened their doors to … [Read more...]
“I can’t afford to be saved”
Guest commentary by Carlton Johnson If I live to be as old as my birthday, I know that I’ll never forget those words. Crystal (not her real name), the love of my undergrad life, had confirmed once and for all on that hot summer morning that being a part of the church was not for her. I felt like a personal failure. I wanted to be with a church girl and Crystal wasn’t going to be one. Unwittingly, I’d invited her to Building Fund Sunday. By the time the pastor was done with the biblical dictates on giving, Crystal had calculated that in order to be considered a “rightly saved person,” she would have to give one-third of her meager college student’s salary. As she exited the sanctuary, it was clear, for her, that heaven was not within reach. To be honest, if I had focused on what was being preached, I would likely have drawn the same conclusion. But, at the time, I was more interested in Crystal than Christ. (At least I’m honest.) Yet, as my own faith journey deepened, I … [Read more...]
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