What does it mean to be an inclusive community?

Beloved saints,

In last week’s reflection, I mentioned that I would be making a few adjustments to the liturgy as we move through our time together. My philosophy, or approach, when it comes to liturgy, especially as an Interim, is to only make changes when it’s called for to return us to the grammar of the prayer book, conform to the canons or rubrics of the church more intentionally, or to align with the practices of this parish and its rich history. Essentially, it’s to underscore what came up in your Holy Cow results: that you have a deep desire to strengthen your Episcopal Identity. One of the fundamental ways we do that, as Episcopalians, is how we pray (our liturgy). So, this week, you may notice a few tweaks: specifically, the Nicene Creed and Confession match what is in the Book of Common Prayer. I also adjusted the invitation to communion and added a welcome page to both services. 

I also mentioned last week that we would be exploring different aspects of the new mission statement in these “clergy reflections” so that we can look deeper into what God might be inviting us to do, be, or change through this bold new focus. 

Last week, we explored a little sliver of what it means to be a welcoming community. How did we do? Did you introduce yourself to anyone you didn’t know? Did you notice or meet any of the first-time visitors? 

This mission: “To be a welcoming, inclusive community of faith grounded in the Episcopal tradition that looks to the future where Christ’s transformational love inspires every generation to care for one another and serve the wider world” doesn’t mean we’re already there. It’s not a checkbox that we mark when it’s finished. In fact, having this statement provides us with a roadmap for where we want to go, who we sense God is calling us to be, and highlights what we may need to change in order to help realize that mission.

For this week, my heart is wondering, what does it mean to be an inclusive community? Because “Inclusive” can mean many things, right? 

In the church, specifically the Episcopal Church, the notion of inclusivity extends beyond gender, politics, race, and economics…it’s about the dream God has for ALL to feel not only welcome but like they belong. That’s what it means to be imago dei, made in the image and likeness of God.

To be an inclusive community might, then, mean that no matter who you are, or love, or vote for, or where you live, or what your first language is… you belong here. 

It might mean that we are willing to be changed by the new people who show up and share ideas. It might mean that we make intentional shifts in our practices to ensure that who we say we want to be is actually who we are (or are becoming). 

So this week, I want us all to be thinking about what it means for us to be inclusive. Who are we including? There are many questions for us as a body to consider when answering this question, but it starts with us, as individuals. Who do I sense is missing from the table, and would I invite them to join me here? If so, why? If not, why?

I am grateful to be among you, to walk with you during this season, friends. 

In peace,