Reflection from Scott: Remembering GLBT Persons in our Faith Communities

Two weeks ago I and several students at APTS participated in the 2009 Day of Silence. The Day of Silence started on the high school level to bring awareness of GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered) issues to the general public. It has moved on to the college and seminary levels over the past several years. The purpose of the event is to bring awareness to the general public of the silence that many GLBT people feel when interacting with others. This silence can extend all the way from outright bullying and discrimination to unease and discomfort in being fully open and honest with friends, family, and fellow Christians. Our participation in this event was specifically focused on the silence experienced by many GLBT students and members of the PC(USA)-specifically around the issues of ordination as an elder/deacon/minister and inclusion in the greater life of the church.

The event started with an evening Taize service at the APTS Chapel. Before ending the service and beginning the 24 hours of total silence, I stood in front of the Communion table and reminded the participants of the inclusive message of Christ. Jesus did not eat with only the powerful or the popular but the sinners and the outcasts. It is when we exclude people from the table and the life of the church we try to exclude Christ-whether for reasons of gender, race, class, or sexual orientation.

The next 24 hours were both really tough and really enlightening. You know that I like to talk so being quiet was a huge burden for me! It was also remarkable how when one is silent other people begin to ignore or talk around you as well. The silence was also helpful for contemplation and for provoking conversations for later with fellow students. In a very small way I felt that I now know what it is like to feel silent in one's own community. I could not imagine what it feels like for those that have to endure it every day of their lives.
We broke our silence a day later with prayer, poetry, and in the fine Presbyterian tradition-food. All those who participated mirrored the experiences I mentioned above. No matter where you fall on this issue, I urge you to think and pray about how we as a community mirror the open table of Christ. Are we always welcoming and inclusive? Are all voices respected?

Here are some links you might want to explore: Day of Silence, Covenant Network, More Light Presbyterians.

- Scott Spence, Senior Seminary Student