A Lenten Challenge

 





 

I'm giving up chocolate.

Just kidding, I would never do that.

 

I'm doing something a little more active. A little while ago Desmond Tutu, global champion of peace and reconciliation, launched a 30-day forgiveness challenge alongside his daughter Mpho. Years ago I saw Archbishop Tutu speak at James Madison University in Virginia. I have always had tremendous respect for what he has done with his life. I also recognize that his words and actions in the midst of apartheid and its aftermath have enormous relevance for everyone working towards reconciliation in Northern Ireland. That includes me, for at least a few more months.

 

So I'm going to take the forgiveness challenge. It includes stories, journaling, and reflection, at least that is my impression. It is only day 1. I expect to learn about the theory of forgiveness and why it is so important as a Christian and as a human. I expect to be challenged to be a better forgiver. And I expect to be more thoughtful about seeking forgiveness.

A preview of the challenge:

 





It's a 30 day challenge, and Lent is a little longer than that, so maybe I will take weekends off. Either way I am committed to trying the challenge. Lent is a time to focus on following Jesus as he makes his way toward the cross, and that path includes Jesus' radical forgiveness.
A link in case you would like to try the challenge yourself: https://www.forgivenesschallenge.com/
Expect an update sometime before Easter.



"Concerns?" Really?

Whitehouse Presbyterian is still recovering from last week’s drama surrounding the election for moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. My supervisor/friend/role model, the Rev. Liz Hughes was nominated and lost for the second year in a row. PCI has never elected a female moderator. The good people of Whitehouse sympathized but also sighed their relief that they would not have to surrender Liz for the year. That could have been the end of it, but the next day several prominent Presbyterian clergy expressed their "concerns" about having women in any ordained leadership position in the church. The sound bites and clamorous radio discussions demonstrated clearly the divisions, identity politics, and belligerency within the church.

I will make my comments personal rather than theological. I have heard that about 6% of teaching elders in PCI are women. Imagine being brave enough to respond to a call to pastoral ministry, to endure years of training and coursework when half of your instructors sincerely believe that you don’t measure up to the boys. Then, after decades of working with congregations, building relationships, serving the community, and performing pastoral duties faithfully, a colleague speaks up to say that women should not be ordained? For women ministers it must feel that their identity and history is under attack. I imagine it might really hurt.

I think also of the young women I work with at Whitehouse. They are all thoughtful and friendly, and I can imagine that some may by discerning a call to ministry in a few years.  I would hate for them to be discouraged by a man’s thoughtless comments. When the church fails to affirm the gifts of a young person, it should be no surprise when his or her engagement with the church community diminishes. The events of last week challenged me to recommit to making church a place where all young people can cultivate their mental and spiritual gifts without discrimination or judgment.



A positive welcome at the doors of Whitehouse Presbyterian