I read the comments here and have great hope. Polite, heartfelt conversation with others, no matter the “difference” — be it race, gender, sexual orientation, or anything else — is indeed the first step toward God’s reconciliation. Then I read the comments posted on the Houston Chronicle’s website in response to the article about the service on Wednesday and Presiding Bishop Shcori’s inspiring words, and my heart breaks.

I just can no longer understand fundamentalism in any form. I honor the Bible as a sacred writing and divinely inspired, but no longer accept every single word as coming from the mouth of God, himself. So much of what is quoted to condemn the sinfulness of homosexuality and women preaching and teaching is based on cultural norms that no longer apply and on simple ignorance of scientific principles.

I applaud the Episcopal Church’s election of Bishop Schori and others like her. However, we still have a long way to go.

Peace,
Bridgitt