Peppercorn

A Pastoral Letter on Life and Choice

A Pastoral Letter on Life and Choice

The recent leak of the draft opinion (now official) of the Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade has brought the question of access to abortion front and center for many of us. As a nation, we are politically polarized on this issue into two irreconcilable camps. Polls show that most Americans have more nuanced positions than our elected leaders, both respecting the mystery of life in the womb and generally favoring legal access. While we do not know where the Supreme Court will ultimately land, the issue is before us. If our faith is to have any power, it must be able to speak to us in the midst of such profound questions of the sanctity of life and the right to choose. We cannot ignore these questions. Rather, I believe firmly that if we wrestle with them, we will see a way forward that allows each of us to come to our own informed understandings as well as understand better those who, through similarly formed consciences, might still disagree with us.

A Confession for Pride Month

A Confession for Pride Month

My husband Jim thinks in images, not words. This makes communication at home, uhm, “interesting” sometimes! I can ask a question, receive an answer, and discover Jim meant the exact opposite of the answer given. “Words Matter!” I exclaim. Jim shrugs, and we laugh about it.

As Pride month draws to a close, I, too, need to be reminded that words matter. We have an increasing number of staff, parishioners, and friends of the congregation who use they/them pronouns because their gender is outside the gender binary imposed by society. This has been true of some people throughout human history, and some AfroIndigenous and Asian cultures more readily understand this diversity today than most of us in the West.

Since the age of Aquinas in the 13th century, we have been taught to think that if something is not this, it is that. The reality is sometime something is not this or that, but both, or neither, or something else. Science and lived experience has shown this to be true of human gender, as well.

I Have Another Confession . . .

I Have Another Confession . . .

Two weeks ago I confessed how talking about justice issues can make feel uncomfortable, partly because I do not feel fully equipped, and partly because it can rock the boat. Yet, at times, doing so is compelling, and God always pulls us out of our comfort zones while promising to be with us for the journey.

My confession this week was that I knew nothing about Juneteenth until I was ordained and serving in a parish in Philadelphia. Juneteenth, the June 19th celebration of the freeing of the last enslaved people in 1865, is a major festival in Philly and elsewhere. However, I grew up in South Carolina. Juneteenth was never mentioned, even in school history classes. While we were never fed any garbage trying to excuse slavery or minimize its impact, we never explored the experience of slavery from the viewpoint of an enslaved person or their descendants.

Baccalaureate - Well Done!

Baccalaureate - Well Done!

Another step forward! This Sunday is Baccalaureate Sunday when we celebrate the achievements of our graduating high school students. In a year like no other, Gabriella Chin, Kerry Ann Hohenshilt, Spencer Hurley, and Colin McAulay all completed their senior years. Gabby and Colin will speak, Spencer will acolyte, and Kerry Ann will usher. Then, we will gather outside for a fellowship celebration with single serving food options following diocesan and CDC guidelines.

That is what we do at St. Peter’s - we move forward in answer to God’s call in whatever way circumstances at the time permit. Our youth have been a sign of that commitment.

I Have a Confession

I Have a Confession

Our faith practice focus in June is Mercy and Justice. Of all of our faith practices, this is the one is likely to make us the most uncomfortable. My confession is that I share this discomfort, even as my heart holds dear how critical these practices are.

I think we’re OK with mercy, but the Justice part is hard. We get caught up in the confusion of Justice with social agendas, political platforms, and such. I find very helpful this description of Mercy and Justice that Anne Delgado posted on our website:

Justice and mercy often go hand in hand in Scripture. When we experience mercy, we can receive or offer compassion and love regardless of merit. Biblical justice encourages us to go a step further and live selflessly to restore justice or fairness to those who are unrightfully hurt or wronged. Together, mercy and justice help us establish ourselves and our neighbors in right relationship with God.

The American Experiment

The American Experiment

One of my favorite ways to mark the Fourth of July is to listen to NPR’s annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. With a stirring musical backdrop and diverse voices, they bring the text to life with the urgency and determination of the day. It's a nine-minute listen and is worth your time. Thank of how those nine minutes shaped hopes and dreams around the world. I promise your time will be worth it!

Independence Day is a remarkable day. It is not just a celebration of the founding of an independent nation, but a declaration of values and aspirations that were (and still are) far from universally appreciated.

Independence Day is one of two national holy days in our liturgical calendar. The other is Thanksgiving Day. It is always right for a church to pray for the nation, but what does it mean to elevate a national holiday to the ranks of holy days commemorating key moments of our faith?