Volley #33

How Do People Know
Part Duh

How do I know if I am welcome in a congregation, if I’m:
• divorced
• or a single parent
• or just out of prison
• or homeless
• or on welfare
• or gay
• or non-white
• or Hispanic
• or poor
• or sick
• or handicapped—blind, deaf, limited in mobility, mentally or developmentally challenged?

The fear of just showing up can be very strong, and sadly, these persons may be the very ones most in need of experiencing the healing and renewing love of Jesus through the life of one of his faith communities. We also know very well what they know—that they are not really welcome in all Christian churches, including all Episcopal ones. We would do well to ask ourselves regularly, and in various ways, how we might better convey the message of welcome and acceptance to those who need to hear it. In the meantime, here are a few start-up questions.

• Is it clear, in all mentions of Communion, that all baptized persons who wish to receive are welcome?
• Is it stated openly in all communications that this congregation welcomes seekers of all kinds, without pre-conditions?
• If the congregation would be hospitable to gay and lesbian Christians, do they ever have the courage to say so? Even a little rainbow logo or flag or banner would speak volumes.
• If anyone is Hispanic, Black, Asian, or an immigrant, how would they know this congregation would receive them gracefully?
• Is the facility handicapped accessible? Could it be? Do communications say so?
• How about young adults? Single people?
• Do the website, and all publications, contain photos of the widest possible diversity of people by age and ethnicity? Are some people casually dressed? Do they look like they’re having fun?
• Are there people in worship wearing jeans or other casual attire? Even some greeters and parking lot attendants?

Maybe all kinds of people OUGHT to know they are welcome in an Episcopal church. But for some very good reasons, they don’t.
And the next step may be the bigger challenge—making all these things true of the congregation. That requires conversion of hearts, and may take time. But isn’t conversion of hearts our specialty?