MOUNTAIN MOVING
Matthew 17:14-21
The Rev. Tammy Lindahl
St. Luke Presbyterian Church
Wayzata, MN
Sunday, June 24, 2001
[7-31-01]
BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST, WE HAVE MOVED A MOUNTAIN!
When I came out 11 years ago I knew I would end my
career in rural parish ministry. I shed many tears in grieving the loss
of that ministry. Given the climate in the church at the time I didn't
know if I would be able to serve in my lifetime. I hoped against hope. I
knew by faith that the mountain of the church's ignorance would some
day be moved. I viewed my work in this movement as seed planting. I
never know if I'll get to see the ultimate results. But I now have a
glimpse of the possibilities.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we indeed
have moved a mountain!
For those who do not know, eight days ago the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church USA voted in favor of eliminating the barriers for
us to be able to ordain gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (glbt)
individuals as deacons, elders and minister of word and sacrament
without fear of reprisal. Now it's not over -- we still have some
mountain moving to do in the presbyteries to ratify this action but for
now: We celebrate. This has been the most significant positive vote in
23 years of this movement. It is the first time in the history of any
large mainline denomination that a statement was made allowing for glbt
ordination on a national level.
Some people told us it could not be done. Now was not the right time. We
needed more time to talk about it, study it, to gather voting strength.
Some people told us not to go for it all but to settle for a compromise.
Some told us we were not being politically wise and thoughtful.
However, New York, with St Luke and many other churches refused to
compromise. They put forth a statement to be voted on by the
denomination that erased all the former decisions that barred ordination
and installation. It took 23 years since the vote to ban ordination to
overturn it but we did the first step in this process eight days ago.
Some of you know I was a voting commissioner to this General Assembly. I
would not have been there if it had not been for the hard work and
encouragement of many people in this room and in this presbytery. For
that, I am grateful.
There were times I felt overwhelmed with the weight of the symbolism of
my presence on the floor with over 500 voting delegates. There were six
of us who chose to come out to our fellow commissioners. We wanted to
remind them that we aren't just voting on "issues" but we are
voting on people's lives. During an open microphone time each of us got
up and celebrated our service in the church. Each commissioner received
a letter inviting him or her to join glbt commissioners in the following
prayer:
"Spirit of the Living Christ, present with us now at the 213th
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we praise you for
your embrace of creative and redemptive love. As we live and work and
struggle together this week, teach us to respect one another. Help us
to love one another. Free us to enjoy one another. All to your glory.
Amen."
Our hope was that we remind commissioners that we represented people who
sit on the Assembly floor and beyond who are unable to come out or vote
with us but are present in spirit.
I felt the enormity of the cloud of witnesses - past and present - that
were in that room with me. I shed more than a few tears aware of their
faithfulness - aware of those who serve the church in silence or are
banned from being able to vote on the very issues that affect their
lives.
…. I was reminded of the story of David Sindt
who stood up at the 1974 General Assembly holding a sign, "Is
anyone else out there gay?" This courageous act started the early
version of today's More Light movement.
…. I was aware of the young, eager parish pastor
who came out on the floor of the Assembly knowing that no matter how the
vote went he could lose his career in ministry. He knew that even if the
constitution changes there is a long road ahead to gain full acceptance
- just ask anyone who has worked in civil rights or the women's
movement. They know the vast difference between legislation and
acceptance of "the other" that threatens their power base.
…I was honored to serve with Mark Palermo, a gay
elder from Chicago and friend, who has been in this movement for close
to thirty years. He has served as moderator of the Chicago Presbytery as
an out gay man. He is highly respected by his colleagues and loved by
many.
…I was aware of the cloud of witnesses sitting
in the observation area. The love, support and care they provided were
amazing. Beth got me coffee at appointed times so I wouldn't miss any
important votes. Chris inspired me with today's scripture the morning of
the vote. Kim's encouraging words and steadfastness encouraged me.
Doug's faithful documentation of all the happenings of the Assembly
reassured me that "the word was getting out." Penny and
Steve's wide-eyed enthusiasm challenged me to fight the good fight.
Perhaps most of all was Martha's incredible love and support that helped
me through some of the most difficult moments of the Assembly. I am
grateful for the community of faith.
There are yet more mountains to be moved. There is a lot of work ahead
of us. We know that this monumental vote for glbt acceptance needs to be
ratified by a majority of the Presbyteries. We won't know the results
until late winter or early spring of 2002. Many say this is not the
year. It cannot be done. We need to study it and talk about it more
before we have the votes to pass it. I'm reminded that that is what many
told us eight days ago and look what happened. Keep the faith of a
mustard seed.
All I know is that we are called to be faith-filled in everything we do. To
me this mountain moving isn't just about glbt issues. It's about being
faithful to work for justice in whatever area you are called to. For
some it may be affordable housing; for others, AIDS in Africa, hunger,
peace in the hot spots of our world or peace in the world you are a part
of (domestic violence, addictions, human dignity…).
It's recognizing we are in this justice-loving struggle for the long
haul. Faithfulness calls us to participate in a marathon, not just a
sprint. It's not easy moving mountains. We don't sit back and wait for
the miracles to magically happen. We work for it as we partner with the
Spirit in the work of transforming this world. We take that grain of
faith. We water it and care for it. We hope against hope and let the
Spirit do her work.
People of God, keep the faith - with God anything is possible - even
mountain moving.
