My message to +++Himself

I love this scene from "On the Waterfront".

I only wish I could preach like Karl Malden.

Malden, of course, was a great American actor, who passed away July 1 at the age of 97.

I suggest that we send this clip to +++Himself, the Archbishop of Canterbury, before he comes to General Convention.

Perhaps it will help clarify for him that it is Jesus who stands in "the crucified place" for us - for all people - including LGBT people.

Perhaps it will serve to remind him that standing in solidarity with those who are oppressed or prejudiced against - in any way - is where the Church, the Body of Christ, needs to be.

Perhaps +++He will be inspired to see that it is more important to stand, where "men revile and persecute you" in the name of Jesus, than to worship the false god of unity in the organizational church.

If he can't hear that message, then I have an even more simple one to +++Himself:

We're here.

We're queer.

We're baptized.

We've already been sent to spread the Good News to all of God's children that God created and loves us unconditionally, Jesus has adopted and redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit inspires and sustains us to keep on keeping on.

Get used to it.

Oh, and this: "Ain't gonna let nobody turn me around."