Is It Time for Shell Ridge to Move Ahead as Welcoming and Affirming?

(from Shell Ridge "Ridge Runner" - September, 2008)

The Welcoming & Affirming survey was solidly in support of Shell Ridge becoming a W&A church. As of this writing 86% of participants were in favor (including 100% of participants under 50 years of age). Members were 93% in favor or neutral on the issue.

There were, however, concerns expressed both by those in favor and those opposed to W&A. These indicate a need for additional discussion regarding why this process is important, what it means for Shell Ridge, theology and Biblical study, and a review of discrimination problems.

The two questions that have been heard over and over again are "Isn't Shell Ridge already Welcoming and Affirming?" and "Why do we need to address this subject at this time?"

The answer to the first question is mostly yes, in practice, but officially no. We have affirmed our openness to all people, but there has been a climate of "don't ask, don't tell" about speaking openly and freely about gay, lesbian, or bisexual members. This is not fair to them – and it's also dishonest, even if intended to avoid offending or embarrassing anyone. We teach our children about justice and equal rights, but we have been virtually silent with them about this subject.

This leads us to the second question of "why now?" Because we've become over the past twenty-five years a society that largely believes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is wrong. In fact, it is illegal in California, though churches are largely exempt from non-discrimination laws. We think we owe it to our children and young people to be clear about where we stand -- and set an example for them in being an open and welcoming congregation. To do otherwise is not in keeping with our church's tradition of support for justice and human rights.

Another question that some people have asked is what "affirming" means to Shell Ridge. This question is one people may differ somewhat in answering. I base my answer on Jesus' lack of condemnation.

We have no record in scripture of Jesus addressing the issue of gay sexuality – perhaps because the concept of innate sexuality was unknown. However, it was expected that young Jewish men would marry, and Jesus and some of his disciples were willing to challenge that social norm in order to spend full time in following a higher calling – that of being united in Jesus' mission and love for all people. The apostle Paul followed a similar course.

In like manner, we are called to be united in love for all people and to show our commitment to Christ by our love for each other. I believe that's a chief characteristic of our church fellowship, and I have been heartened that I've heard not one word of criticism of anyone because their views on this issue differ from someone else's.

One young adult voiced the hope that this action would result in more young people coming into our church. It is, to a large extent, a generational gap not unlike those we've faced before. But we can all grow and change, especially when it benefits our fellowship and ministry. As the 41-year-old Olympic medalist Dara Torres said, "Don't put an age limit on your dreams." This is a case where we can ALL be winners, in Christian love united, regardless of differing opinions. It's always the right time for that.