A Glimpse Within: Episode Six: Leading Through Change

As the Supreme Court and the Episcopal Church have both embraced our homosexual brothers, sisters in the institution of marriage, we discuss our role in the midst of this social change. We share our overwhelming joy, the challenges of leading people who are not rejoicing, and being confronted by those who feel obligated to speak against our understanding of God's love that embraces marriage equality.
One of the most difficult and complex aspects of our ministry is, in effect, the call to minister to every soul within our parish community. In our ordination vows, we promise to be present and minister to both rich and poor, young and old--effectively breaking through every dichotomy we see in life. Like Brian says, some people are celebrating while others are mourning. Some are taking deep signs of relief while others are holding their breath in anxiety and anger. How do we be present and offer care to every soul in our parishes?

Ministry is complex, to be sure. And, at times of social change like we are experiencing, with marriage equality, climate change, housing concerns, healthcare decisions--so many!--we are called both to hold the entire community as well as always point toward the Gospel of Christ, a message of love, equality, community, compassion, peace, and justice.

So, in this spirit, we open our conversation to you. We make public our own struggles and desires, our own yearnings to be faithful priests--while, of course, not taking ourselves so seriously!

And, we invite you to join in the conversation.

We hope you enjoy A Glimpse Within our lives as priests in the midst of change.

Podcast Link