07-12-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 12, 2025
I am writing from the first day of the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). So far, we’ve primarily engaged in business activities. However, I’ve also dedicated a significant portion of my time in these first hours to hugging friends, many of whom I haven’t seen since the last assembly. Among the many resolutions we are discussing, there is one entitled: Resolution Concerning Disability Justice and Inclusion in All Ministries Within the Christian Church. Our denomination has a longstanding commitment to inclusion, including those with disabilities. And though many of our previous resolutions and statements have been filled with supportive words, they lacked tangible actions. In reading through the Resolution (hoping many within our congregation will read it), I have found myself convicted for Cypress Creek Christian Church to spend some quality time looking at how we choose to live together as community, whether in worship, fellowship, study, or play. In Luke 14:13, we read how Jesus said, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.” When Jesus said those words, I don’t believe he was telling us to invite everyone, while showing absolutely no concern for naming the barriers and unconscious obstacles that continue to keep people from joining. What would it mean to hear Jesus say those words to us again and then to make sure that when we see someone who can’t make it, we ask the hard question WHY? And then we do the hard work, even if it requires some deep reflection and confession so that the path is made clear and wide.

Holy and Welcoming God, I pray for the capacity to do the important and life-giving work of making sure everyone, no matter ability or disability, is fully welcome in every expression of the church. Amen.