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My personal commitment to inclusiveness stems from early developmental influences. My extended family is diverse socially, economically, religiously, politically, and ethnically. We have always seen differences as desirable, adding interest and variety to family gatherings.
We investigated differences of opinion or lifestyle not to correct an errant member, but to understand that individual's unique perspective. Struggles and controversy were/are inevitable. The resolution of differing opinions or the understanding of differing lifestyles was/is viewed as a challenging exercise. We did not view them as an attack on erring members.
This basic understanding that it is "ok" to be different was supported and expanded during my undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa (1968-1972). I was a Theatre major during a major social upheaval. The Theatre department offered an excellent opportunity to observe widely differing opionions and lifestyles. These opinions or lifestyles may differ from my own or from the community norm. Yet the moral and ethical imperatives that motivate this diversity are not dependent upon primal drives. They are dependent on commitment to moral and ethical behavior.
When we apply that understanding to the Church, a person's lifestyle or orientation is secondary to commitment to the Christian life. As the psalmist writes (Psalm 130:3), no lifestyle or orientation can stand the complete scrutiny of our omniscient God. Our acceptability and salvation are not in our works, but in our faith in Christ. I am called to ministries that open the church to the diverse manifestations of the spirit.
Rev'd R. Craig Bennett, O.S.L., D.Min.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania Conference
E-Mail: DBen727493@AOL.com
Note: The Statement of Commitment was released on March 2, 1998 and retired on December 24, 2000. A total of 378 clergy who signed it. CORNET is no longer taking signatures for this document. The Laity Faith and Solidarity Pledge was released on March 2, 1998 and retired on December 24, 2000. a total of 797 people signed the document. See also:
CORNET, a program of Affirmation, is a grassroots network that seeks to continue the tradition of hosting worship services that celebrate and witness to same-gender covenant relationships in United Methodist churches and resists actions that try to withdraw this means of grace from same-gender persons. . Signers of the Statement of Commitment are not necessarily "members" of CORNET or any of the groups associated with Proclaiming the Vision. Their testimonies are their own as individuals and do not represent official statements of Affirmation, CORNET, Methodist Federation for Social Action, the Reconciling Congregation Program and/or Proclaiming the Vision.