So far, so good in Richmond.
I’m having a great time enjoying the hospitality of the fine folks at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and it seems like I haven’t scared them too much yet. We’re spending the week reading Gospel passages and exploring what it might mean for us to live a radical Gospel…The Gospel in the Twenty-First Century is our theme.
Today we read the story from John Chapter 2, the story of Jesus turning over the tables of the money changers in the Temple during Passover. And we talked about when our faith might possibly call upon us to protest.
Then, right after the noon service, we headed over to Virginia Commonwealth University to do just that. Westboro Baptist Church was in town today, picketing the Holocaust Museum, among other sites. Their message is a spewing of hatred and bigotry, and objecting to it was reason enough to protest for sure.
Rector of St. Paul’s, Wallace Adams-Riley, joined other clergy from all over the Richmond area to stand in solidarity against hatred preached in the name of Jesus Christ. How wonderful to talk about the call to protest, then go right out and do it . . . a Gospel with feet.
(I want a cool collar like that.)
Amy, I’m glad it’s going well in Richmond. I love the idea of standing united against hatred and bigotry, but I have to protest the message on the picket sign. (Yes, I get the joke. It’s a play on the church’s website name.) God LOVES both “fags” and “morons.” Besides some people can’t help it if God made them that way . . . stupid, that is.
I agree with the last comment. When I saw your post title was “I Object” and the picture of that sign, I assumed that’s what you were objecting to. I was surprised that you weren’t.
Oddly enough, I had only moments before read a story about how Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) said that he “hates” people who discriminate against gay people. I saw his comment, and I thought maybe that was one difference between Christian and secular activists, the lack of hatred.
Then this evening I found myself sitting under a poster of Martin Luther King and the last sentence of the following quote:
“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate…. Returning violence for violence multiples violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Oh, good discussion, all!
There was quite a bit of irony at the protest today, including the sign pictured here (a play on Westboro Baptist’s signage, yes) and a horrific sign that said, “Rape a Priest.” (Since I was there with a bunch of priests that was rather off-putting.) It was curious how God was used by both extremes of the crowd to justify their vitriol.
And, it made me wonder: as Christians, should our real protest be that the name of God is being co-opted by anybody to support their individual position? Seems to me we should all be engaging the work of God’s Spirit in ways that push us past our own limited tendencies to exclude, no matter who it is we’re currently excluding.
Even priests . . . .
Amy,
It was lovely talking with you this evening at dinner. I enjoyed hearing you speak of your experiences with being a part of some amazing changes in the heart of DC at Calvary. I look forward to seeing how the Lord will change St. Paul’s – I’ve not been there long but I feel it’s coming.
Next time I’m in your neck of the woods I’ll be sure to stop by and perhaps take you up on an offer of coffee.
Have a great week here in Richmond!
~Maureen~
(The Presbyterian at the Episcopal church… shhhh don’t tell anyone) haha
Every year at the Inman Park Festival (John always comes down for this every year— you guys should come sometime. Ask him– it is unbelievably fun) a group of folks stand downhill from my house in the “free speech area” and taunt the gay folks who are holding hands with really mean comments. One year, I preached against them from my steps… (embarassing to my 12 year old) one year (after a few beers) I told them they were commanded by God not to be (word that Ms. Lamotte likes)– This year, I hope to walk over there and talk with them sanely. Maybe I will put on my cool collar.
Your writing, thoughts and honesty are just as I remember them from seminary and it is such a privilege to read your blog! Chris and I are so happy to hear about your PhD. Congratulations!!!
Blessings, Jamie