The Episcopal Church Welcomes You - yes it does!

I received this as a comment from a posting I had on my Sunday Hymn. I did a little research and Ms.. McMillan seems to have made herself known around blogs commenting around Episcopal blogs. So she found  mine and left a comment on my blog. She seems to leave comments that encourage dialogue and a response to her comment.

Ms. McMillan comments:

I see that you have a photo of "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" sign on your web site. Don't you feel that that is just a little bit fraudulent since special terms and conditions do apply and some are surly more welcome than others? Until every child of God is welcome in every Episcopal church then we are not really welcome in any of them. I hope you will speak to your vestry about putting up a sign which more accurately reflects the truth.

Yours sincerely,

Linda Diane McMillan

Dear Ms. McMillan,

Thank you for coming by to visit my blog. I hope you found the hymn video to your liking!

In response to your comment, yes, I do have a photo of me with the sign "The Episcopal Church Welcomes you". The photo was taken on a small island that I visited. You see, the Episcopal Church is a church family for me and wherever I go, it gives me a sense of home when I see that sign. It DOES welcome  you, too, and if you were to walk into our little church with the red doors, you would find a place for you there.

It's not a perfect church, and  our church is only a very small piece of the bigger pie. As one who struggles along with all seekers in the church, there are times I celebrate the beauty of the church, and grieve when the someone in the Church is hurting. The people in the church have loved me, and nurtured me, and yes, they have even hurt me. And I am sure there are times I have hurt someone,  but it's like a family and for that I continue to be a part, even when there have been times I wanted to leave. I knew that was not a solution. I was here to be a part of the family. And they love me, even when I am unlovable.

IN terms of speaking to the vestry about a sign that accurately reflects the truth. We can only pray we are a church that welcomes any and all that walk in the door. It's not an easy task, and one in which any Church struggles. But God calls us to welcome you, and even me, and anyone else who walks in the door.

If I were to choose, I could spend a lot of energy and time on the flaws of the bigger Church, but I don't think  that is what God has called me to do. I believe he has called me to love my neighbor, to love the people who are my church family, with all of our flaws. I see that the struggles and controversies of the church today are a reflection of our culture's struggles, but there are bigger fish to fry than those. There are the little children who are hurting and have no one to love them, there are hungry people all over the world, those dying of disease, and those that are homeless. And the powers that be, as well as the grassrooters can and are addressing issues in which you bring up on your blog and in the comments you leave on others' blog. 

It is my hope and prayer that you, Ms. McMillan, find peace along the way in your journey. If I had one wish with this dialogue, it would be that you would find a place of a welcoming church community where you could feel at home. Perhaps, little by little, healing can take place in your heart.  And, if you ever come to our little town, we welcome you at our church with the red doors.

Peace,

Cathy

Comments

[Judy]

Dear Ms. McMillan,

I was raised in the Jewish faith. Even "I" would feel welcomed in Cathy's church with the red doors.

[Redhead]

From one Episcopalian to another--Well said!

[Mindy]

When I read her comment, it made me upset because she was being tacky to you.

Then I read your responce and came to love you even more.

You are adorable and such a good woman.

[rev mommy]

What they said.

[rev mommy]

What they said.

[mompriest]

Thank you Cathy for a gracious response. We all are struggling with our churches and our faith these days, how can one not. But as you say it's family and I'm here to stay, to keep on working and being and praying and welcoming.