A story worth sharing

[Paidiske]

This one made me tear up. If only the church could get it right like this, more often:

Massachusetts deacon's ordination brings moment of healing to church in #MeToo times - Episcopal News Service

 

[bekkilyn]

This one made me tear up. If only the church could get it right like this, more often:

Massachusetts deacon's ordination brings moment of healing to church in #MeToo times - Episcopal News Service

I can very personally relate to this quote from the article:

She struggled to understand why God would call her to something that was impossible, and it pained her to the extent that she stopped going to church for several years.

 

[jahel]

“To you and to the people of God here gathered, I confess the sin and abuse of power which you endured three decades ago at the hand of your bishop. On behalf of the episcopal office which I now occupy, and the wider institution which failed to prevent this abuse, I do repent, acknowledging this injustice and decrying our failure to safeguard the sanctity of the church for you and others who have looked to it with hope and trust. Of your goodness, I ask you to receive this confession, extended with genuine sorrow and a penitent heart.”​

In my understanding of the office of priesthood as one who is there to stand in the gap for others, he could have officially done no less than that.

 

[mkgal1]

This one made me tear up. If only the church could get it right like this, more often:

Massachusetts deacon's ordination brings moment of healing to church in #MeToo times - Episcopal News Service

How absolutely powerful that must have been in person (it made me tear up as well). How simple and powerful repentance truly is. And what an example of how growth and healing is a looooong process (but it's inspiring to see glimmers of hope like this).

 

[archer75]

This is pretty cool.

May the Lord bless her ministry.

 

[PloverWing]

Tears here, too. Wow. Not just "the church has decided to stop doing that", but "the church did wrong, and I'm sorry".

 

[Paidiske]

In my understanding of the office of priesthood as one who is there to stand in the gap for others, he could have officially done no less than that.

Yes, but the point is that "less than that" is what we have typically been offered.

 

[Gregorikos]

There were SO many powerful lines in that piece. But this one moved me the most:

“Sexual assault is an egregious act of humiliation,” she said. “It’s a weapon used to oppress women, and in the church, it’s been used to keep them from their witness. If you humiliate them enough, they won’t dare to speak up.”

Of all the ways men and the devil have sought to keep women from their witness, this one is unspeakable. I'm so grateful for the grace of God in Gayle that would not be denied.

 

[Paidiske]

Welcome to CF, and to the Egalitarian forum, @Gregorikos!

 

[Gregorikos]

Thank you!