seethrough

I am a delegate to my church’s Conference in Cape Town this week. This morning we discussed various resolutions regarding same-sex relationships. While we were able to strongly affirm and encourage ongoing support and minsitry to gay and lesbian people (see a position), the church does not seem able to recognise the relationships of gay and lesbian people, even if they are committed and faithful relationships between two people. This obviously includes an unwillingness to allow any minister of our church to become an officer under the new Civil Unions legislation of our country. We asked that even just one symbolic person in each region be given permission to register, but this was rejected.

a few of us gathered after lunch to reflect on the discussion. i stood next to an older colleague who’s daughter is lesbian. across the group stood a contemporary who’s brother is gay. i thought of another older colleague who told me of his recent trip to London where he was able to celebrate the marriage of his daughter to her partner, a woman. i was filled with sadness for those whose family members and close friends are so deeply affected by the church’s inability to embrace them as fully human and capable of whole and healthy relationship in line with their sexual orientation.

and as we paused to pray, i began to weep…

al my kinders (afrikaans for “all my children”) is a phrase that has become commonplace in our home recently. ruben is 2 and a bit, and with the arrival of his sister, cate, has had to share his parents’ attention. elaine, the mother of my two children, has taken to having both of them on her lap and to reassuring ruben with the phrase “al twee my kinders” (both of my children) but ruben has shortened it to al my kinders… now, whenever he is sitting near his mother and his sister he proudly proclaims: al my kinders!!!

jesus is reported to have said once: “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (matthew’s gospel, chapter 7)

so what’s this thing about God’s Justice needing to be placated, propitiated, etc. ?

If we, who are not perfect parents, know how to accomodate the whims and insecurities of our young children, how much more is a Heavenly God able to do such “accomodation” - and even more….? I think some of us haven’t even begun to grasp the extent of care that is available to all creation…

Cate Jenna took her first breath at 28 minutes past midnight - in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Elaine was amazing. She laboured through the contractions with great courage for 6 hours and then gave birth naturally. I am grateful that everything went so well - so well indeed that we were home by 2pm that same day! While one can’t say that it was easy, in many ways, the birth went smoothly and Mother and Daughter are healthy and thriving. Giving birth, while a beautifully natural process, is also a potentially dangerous thing with so many painful possibilities… many friends have experienced these dangers. I am grateful!