I want to take a moment to appreciate the readers that I have at Eclectablog. While I don’t get scads of comments, the ones I do get are generally high quality, even from those that disagree with me.
Yesterday I got what I consider to be the best comment I’ve ever received on this site. I was in regards to my post about Scott Anderson, the first openly-gay minister ordained by the Presbyterian Church.
A Wisconsin man who left his Presbyterian ministry in California more than 20 years ago after telling his congregation that he is gay was welcomed back into the church leadership on Saturday as its first openly gay ordained minister.In a quavering voice ripe with emotion, 56-year-old Scott Andersonz told the hundreds of friends and backers who packed Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison for his ordination ceremony that he never thought the day would come.
“To the thousands of Presbyterians who have worked and prayed for almost 40 years for this day, I give thanks,” Anderson said. “And I give thanks for those who disagree with what we’re doing today yet who know that we are one in Jesus Christ.”
A commenter who calls herself “Church Lady” stopped by and posted this magnificent piece of prose:
I used to work for Scott Anderson. The anguish he experienced daily at having been removed from his calling was palpable. This is a joyous moment for, as his former adversary now friend said, he was more Christian than those who frowned upon him. Those of us who worked for him carry on the mission of saying if God loves everyone, who are WE to say who is excluded?
Those who disdain this ordination are free to skulk off into a world of their own, but let there be NO mistake – what you feel is not what your faith calls you to do and be. Scott stood firmly for the principles of justice and equality. Finally righeousness has prevailed.
Of all the mainline Protestant denominations, only the United Methodists have yet to come forward boldly on the side of their faith teachings. We know there is a great deal of stealth support of equality, but it’s past time to come out into the sunshine and stand on the side of righteousness. But today is glorious – Scott has been reinstated to live and work openly in the warmth of faith and community. Congratulations, Scott. It’s good to see courage rewarded.
Fantastic writing, powerful compassion, and a personal connection to the topic — this comment has it all. Thanks so much, Church Lady. It’s comments like these that keep me blogging.
For a good background piece on Scott Anderson and what he has gone through over the past 20 years, Isthmus.com has a great piece. It’s worth noting that the repulsive Westboro Baptist Church troglodytes staged a protest at his ordination and were massively outnumbered by Anderson’s supporters. The power of Love in action.
