Offer Grace
Dear Friends,
In our epistle reading for this Sunday, Paul writes with passionate fervor to the community he founded in Galatia because things are not going as smoothly there as he had hoped. He admonishes them to keep their focus on the self-offering love of Christ that united them to one another and to God in the first place, and to quit bickering over behavioral norms and legalities that divide and polarize them.
As I read this ancient text in preparation for this Sunday, I am reminded that disputes within Christianity are as old as the religion itself. In the case of the Galatians, the issue of the day was whether or not it was necessary for new Christians to be circumcised, in keeping with Jewish law. In response, Paul insists that these distinctions in tradition and belief no longer matter; what is more important is to be part of a new creation, one that allows for unity in diversity. “For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything!”
During this time in our nation’s history that is so fraught with conflict over moral issues – whether it be the right to abortion or the right to bear arms – Paul’s words offer some cautionary insights to those of us who call ourselves Christian. First, they acknowledge that from the very beginning, Christianity had to make room for different opinions. Second, they encourage us focus on the love that unites us, treating one another with kindness, forbearance, and respect - in a way that sets all of creation on a whole new trajectory of mutual growth and transformation.
This leads me to where we, as a church and as a community of love, are called to stand during such a divisive time. Many of you have asked me about the Episcopal Church’s position on reproductive health, and I want to share with you the words of care and thoughtfulness about our understanding of the gift of Life that are offered here in a summary of the church’s teachings. In the words of one of my respected colleagues, “The church’s position has been informed by the tens of thousands of pastoral relationships that clergy and laity have had over the years with people as they have made decisions relating to pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, infertility, and family planning. The General Convention of the Episcopal Church has tried to recognize the moral, legal, and personal complexities involved and the diversity of deeply held views present in the church at large. At our best, we have tried to be a church that has put our love for others first, and we have reminded one another of our primary call as Christians to be known to the world by our love.”*
In the days and weeks to come, I invite you to consider Paul’s words to the community in Galatia and his reminder to approach one another in a Spirit of gentleness, bearing one another’s burden’s, praying for one another, and listening to one another. Especially during such times when we discover that our views diverge, let us offer each other the same grace and generosity we ourselves have received from a God whose love for us has no boundaries.
In Christ,
Amelie+
*The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring, Rector of All Saint’s Episcopal Church, Atlanta
