ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 25, 2025
While on Sabbatical, one of the books I have read is Holy Runaways by Matthias Roberts. It is an important and challenging book on trauma caused by the church. Matthias is writing from the perspective of a gay man, but his insights are not limited to those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. So many have experienced injury because of the church. Toward the end of the book, Matthias is talking about complicity, especially in regard to our silence or ambivalence. Too often, if it is not my experience, then it must not be true or carry much validity. Matthias writes about tragic and unjust events occurring and how people…
“…feign shock, release empty statements, make concessions, and maybe post some resources, and then they’re right back to radio silence. I would argue this was among the worst kinds of violence because we said, ‘I see you. I’m listening to you. I see you are hurting. And now I’m not going to do anything about it.’”
Do you understand the pain of those who have experienced the injury and trauma, and the very people who have taken the name of Jesus and committed to his ways of compassion, self-giving love, and seeking justice seem to slip away the moment it becomes challenging.
In James 1, we read: “be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like” (22-24).
As people of faith, we do a lot of listening to Scripture, whether that is personal or corporate Bible study, worship, or a host of other settings. We are recipients of the Living Word through scripture and the Spirit, yet there are times when it appears that the Living Word has fallen upon dry and unwelcoming soil. And when the soil of our hearts is not receptive to the Living Word, then it is going to be equally unwelcoming to the painful stories of others. Just because someone’s story is outside of our known experience does not mean we should dismiss it. In fact, it invites us to be curious, giving space for the story to be told uninterrupted, and for us to explore others who are telling similar stories. To be heard and met with compassion can be one of the greatest gifts a person can experience. Of course, the next thing is to ask, “What tangible thing can I do?” Let’s try to be those who are giving that gift.
Give me an open heart and a nonjudgmental spirit as I seek to learn those things that will make me a more empathetic and faithful person. I request your help, Holy God. Amen.
