Minister Allen Wicks is my colleague in Christ. He and I both stand before
the Prophet’s words as that Prophet spoke for God: “Do not remember the
former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Is. 43:18-19). As God
does a “new thing” in our midst, we will want to have a collegial, loving, respectful and perhaps passionate discussion as we try to name what we “perceive” God is doing. So it was with me, growing up in an entirely heterosexual context and reading the Bible through those eyes. Now I witness to a “new thing” – new for me! – a new understanding of the scope and depth of covenanted love among same-gendered people. I have heard both the Christian witness of my gay, lesbian and trans brothers and sisters and the confirming voice of the Holy Spirit. I am not a lone voice. Hear a new chorus from the Christian community!
Our community in Christ needs to keep this conversation going while being
fully respectful of each other’s attempts to be faithful, and to be careful
not to hurt those at the center of this discussion, vulnerable as they are,
and possible message bearers of the holy. I would encourage the St. Louis
Clergy Coalition to further this urgently needed discernment process and to set the tone of mutual respect.
The Rev. Michael Vosler
United Church of Christ
Editor’s note: With these letters, we will retire this debate from the Letters page for the time being. Thanks and blessings to everyone for writing in and expressing themselves.