I spent the weekend with my parents and we had a very good time. On Saturday we went to Nancy's place and swam and ate Monstro Burgers stuffed with cheese and onion.
Church on Sunday was not my favorite thing, though. My parents attend an Anglican church that broke away from The Episcopal Church; as you will know, I remain Episcopalian, though recently in a new parish home.
I know that I don't always agree with what their church teaches, but usually it is not as blatant as it was today. The rector took the opportunity to link today's Galatians scripture to the overturning of the Defense of Marriage Act this week. He spoke of the ringing of bells in the National Cathedral in celebration of that fact as shameful. About the legality of same-sex marriage as something to be defeated. He had a lot to say, in fact, including his beliefs about abortion. Which, let's just say, don't jibe with mine.
I considered walking out, but the reason I go to church there is to be with my parents, and I didn't want to embarrass them. Instead, I took out a Book of Common Prayer and read/sang Psalms in my head. The Benedictine Experience 2 weeks ago has firmly implanted the Gregorian Chant, 8th Tone in my mind, so I started at Psalm 95 (a favorite) and proceeded from there. I got through quite a few.
I considered whether I wanted to take Communion at the service, but quickly realized that the Table is God's, it doesn't belong to that priest. So I did.
When I knelt at the altar rail next to my mom, a lovely older lady came and knelt on my other side, and gave me a beautiful smile. I was overcome with gratitude for her welcome, and for the fact that we are united in the Eucharist, no matter what our other difference. I hugged her (which I think confused her a bit, as I don't really know her.)
I still feel upset by this. I can't imagine that in my home church this morning, as liberal as it leans, the DOMA was mentioned in a triumphant tone. I don't think that sort of thing belongs in church.
And that's all I have to say about THAT. Oh, except: Ring out, wild bells!
ps: I hope that the priest will read this post, and also the luminous writing of Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton in her blog post, "We Are Equal." Which said it all for me.
