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The Church Council has decided that this fall the
congregation will engage in a conversation about a controversial topic.
That topic is known variously as marriage equality, or same gender
marriage or gay marriage.
Some may ask, "Why do we have to discuss this issue?" One response would
be that a significant portion of this congregation wants to discuss it.
That was revealed by the overwhelming vote of church council in favor of
initiating the conversation. Another important consideration is that the
lives of some of our members are personally affected by this issue.
One of the jobs of an interim pastor is to remind a congregation of its
heritage. What have been the forces that have shaped the United Church
of Christ over time? What are the historical antecedents that make a
United Church of Christ congregation different from a Methodist
congregation or a Presbyterian congregation? What theological
commitments have formed this denomination and make it distinctive?
We need to ask ourselves: How shall we discuss this issue and remain
true to the best of our heritage? How shall we live together during a
conversation that has strong opinions on all sides?
What I hope you will see is that there is a way to live together, the
UCC way. It allows for divergence of opinion without breaking the unity
of the body. Not easily done, given human nature, but it is possible.
In preparation for this conversation, I preached a sermon on June 17
entitled, "Living Together the UCC Way." In that sermon I attempted to
give the historical and theological foundation to the unique way
congregations in the United Church of Christ order their common life.
Differences do not need to divide.
The response to that sermon was so positive that I was asked to include
it in the church newsletter so that those who were not present could
also learn more about living together the UCC way. I invite you to read
the sermon, ponder it and then give me some feedback. Tell me what
you're thinking.
Part of being a UCC congregation is to keep the conversation going. This
fall there will be structured occasions for clarifying the issues and
learning from each other's perspectives. I look forward to that
conversation!
In gratitude for this fellowship of faith,
Scott Opsahl
Interim Lead Pastor
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