At a time when United Methodists are yearning for greater racial equity, greater worldwide self-determination, and structures and ministries that do not exclude, the CT has set as one of its four vision areas the desire to model an affirming and inclusive church. Our launch of the Emerging website is one concrete way in which we are doing this. Through Emerging, we are featuring writers who are willing to help inform our connection about what it means to be affirming and inclusive of all people, no matter their race, immigration status, ability, sexuality, gender or gender identity.
In her article, “Church: An Egalitarian and Inclusive Community,†Rev. Dr. Hwa-Young Chong attempts to bring to Emerging her perspectives as an Asian-American immigrant theologian and pastor. In so doing, she expresses many of our own yearnings for justice and equality.
She writes, “… despite the discrimination in the church and society, I find power in the voices that challenge intersectional racism, sexism, and heterosexism… I am strengthened by the commitments to continue Jesus’ egalitarian ministry. I hope for an anti-racist, anti-sexist, and anti-heterosexist ecclesiology.â€
As we all hope with her, let us also pray:
God, give power to the voices that challenge oppression in all of its forms. Help us to raise our voices to challenge the intersectional oppressions of racism, sexism and heterosexism.
God, give us strength to hold on to our commitment to follow the Jesus who reached out to a Samaritan woman and ministered to those who were considered outcasts.
God, ignite in us the hope that the church would lead by living out “…an anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-heterosexist ecclesiology.â€
Amen.
Rev. Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai
Chief Connectional Ministries Officer