11 January 2015 Letter
John Lever, Chairman on behalf of the
Committee on Ministry with LGBT Persons of The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi
11 January 2015 Dear Bishop, I have come to understand that the business of life is the making of memories. As we go through life we savor certain moments, regret some, learn from others and the sum total of those events define us. With that thought, I would like to recall some of my memories of the journey we have taken in developing and furthering the very important ministry of the Committee.
The first was a luncheon given by Joan Bailey in 2000 where the Committee members met you and where we began our journey. I was impressed by your warm and supportive interaction with us.
My next memory was a meeting in your office shortly after your Episcopate began. You emphasized that you saw your calling being to maintain the status quo and not “rock the boat” in the face of the challenges concerning “gay” issues. You expressed that your successor would then be in a position to respond to those challenges. In response, I irreverently suggested you look at the example of John XXIII, who did not become a caretaker Pope. I left that meeting with your admonition to make you “uncomfortable.” I knew, at that point, there was a way forward and I also recognized that you were searching and discerning your own way.
We did not set out to purposely make you uncomfortable, although some initiatives may have. Our collaboration together made possible the clergy survey, which led to clergy training on gay pastoral concerns and the sponsorship of the retreat which began in 2006; approval of our Committee logo; development of the Committee Mission Statement; development of the Inclusion Statement; printing of the bookmarks with your supportive message on one side and a similar one from Archbishop Tutu on the other; approving the LGBT Newsletter; our booth at Council; your approval of our member, Van Bankston to attend seminary and be
the first openly gay person ordained in the Diocese; your support of actions taken by the Committee that were challenged in resolutions presented at Council; your reexamining of your refusal to permit the blessing of same-sex relationships, which has now led to a protocol which makes that possible; and your attendance and participation in the annual retreat.
The three most vivid memories I have are a specially called meeting with you to discuss the blessing issue, your homily at the funeral of Fr. Gates, and your attendance at the 2014 Retreat. At the meeting we discussed a letter we sent asking you to reconsider your refusal to allow blessings. It was one of the most powerfully and spiritually moving events I have been involved in. I saw your struggle and you saw our anguish. The most poignant moment was when you understood and comforted a member who was afraid to approach her priest to discuss the possibility of seeking a blessing. We were all moved and transformed by that meeting. The funeral of our long time member Fr. Gates was difficult for us all, but your moving homily brought reassurance. Lastly at the 2014 Retreat your presence, participation and celebration of the Eucharist left all of us with a feeling of acceptance.
This has been an amazing journey, collaborative and transformative in so many ways. We the members of your Committee wish you God’s blessing as you leave us and to quote a person you know well,“Thank you for all you do” (and have done).
Committee on Ministry with LGBT Persons of The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi
11 January 2015 Dear Bishop, I have come to understand that the business of life is the making of memories. As we go through life we savor certain moments, regret some, learn from others and the sum total of those events define us. With that thought, I would like to recall some of my memories of the journey we have taken in developing and furthering the very important ministry of the Committee.
The first was a luncheon given by Joan Bailey in 2000 where the Committee members met you and where we began our journey. I was impressed by your warm and supportive interaction with us.
My next memory was a meeting in your office shortly after your Episcopate began. You emphasized that you saw your calling being to maintain the status quo and not “rock the boat” in the face of the challenges concerning “gay” issues. You expressed that your successor would then be in a position to respond to those challenges. In response, I irreverently suggested you look at the example of John XXIII, who did not become a caretaker Pope. I left that meeting with your admonition to make you “uncomfortable.” I knew, at that point, there was a way forward and I also recognized that you were searching and discerning your own way.
We did not set out to purposely make you uncomfortable, although some initiatives may have. Our collaboration together made possible the clergy survey, which led to clergy training on gay pastoral concerns and the sponsorship of the retreat which began in 2006; approval of our Committee logo; development of the Committee Mission Statement; development of the Inclusion Statement; printing of the bookmarks with your supportive message on one side and a similar one from Archbishop Tutu on the other; approving the LGBT Newsletter; our booth at Council; your approval of our member, Van Bankston to attend seminary and be
the first openly gay person ordained in the Diocese; your support of actions taken by the Committee that were challenged in resolutions presented at Council; your reexamining of your refusal to permit the blessing of same-sex relationships, which has now led to a protocol which makes that possible; and your attendance and participation in the annual retreat.
The three most vivid memories I have are a specially called meeting with you to discuss the blessing issue, your homily at the funeral of Fr. Gates, and your attendance at the 2014 Retreat. At the meeting we discussed a letter we sent asking you to reconsider your refusal to allow blessings. It was one of the most powerfully and spiritually moving events I have been involved in. I saw your struggle and you saw our anguish. The most poignant moment was when you understood and comforted a member who was afraid to approach her priest to discuss the possibility of seeking a blessing. We were all moved and transformed by that meeting. The funeral of our long time member Fr. Gates was difficult for us all, but your moving homily brought reassurance. Lastly at the 2014 Retreat your presence, participation and celebration of the Eucharist left all of us with a feeling of acceptance.
This has been an amazing journey, collaborative and transformative in so many ways. We the members of your Committee wish you God’s blessing as you leave us and to quote a person you know well,“Thank you for all you do” (and have done).
