May 19, 2013:

A Revolutionary Inclusiveness

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s Letter to the Church at Galacia 3:28.

At its beginning, the Christian Church was a radically revolutionary body. Paul’s Letter to the Church he founded in Galatia (in modern day Turkey) makes clear that there were to be no distinctions in the Christian Church based on ethnic background, whether one was a slave or free person, even gender. This was profoundly different from Roman society where one’s place was determined by human differences. Non-Christians viewed these Christians with both contempt and a little fear. What would happen to them if their privileged places in society were challenged?

Sadly, the radical equality of members of the early Church was lost. Once again, Christians mirrored the rest of society. Over time the Church itself became a supporter of a hierarchical society.

Yet, wonderfully, from time to time the Church has re-captured this vision of revolutionary inclusions. Our day is such a time — for some Christians, at least. Here at Pilgrim we believe no one should be treated as less worthy because of their background. If we were to update Paul’s words, I believe we could say that in the Church, in Christ Jesus, all are welcomed, accepted and affirmed. No one is better than anyone else. Everyone’s uniqueness is respected and appreciated.

Who do we believe is “in Christ Jesus?”

— Recent immigrants (alien or not) and those whose ancestors came here on the Mayflower.

— Poor, middle-class, and rich alike. One’s bank account does not matter in the Church.

— Gay, lesbian and straight. God made us the way we are and the Church welcomes and affirms that.

— Liberals and conservatives whether in religious beliefs or political convictions. When we say we are a “Liberal” Church that should mean that no one has all the truth. We need to learn from one another

— Black, White, Red, Yellow, Brown skinned people. “Race” is a myth. It has no place in the Church.

— Young, middle-aged, old. People of every age are valued equally.

This kind of radical inclusiveness is a challenge to the barriers the world creates to divide, denigrate, and control people. The Church — when it is the Church — is a revolutionary force at work to challenge all bigotry and prejudice. We at Pilgrim are striving to be that kind of Church. God help us in our task.

Love,
Dave