Rainbowed
It was a humbling moment tonight when I kissed and placed the Integrity Stole – housed at the Church of the Redeemer – over my shoulders and began the Celebration of the Eucharist. I suddenly felt the 28 years of history it carried (on top of the 2000 years the stole always does). I thought about the commissioning of it by those who sought the affirmation and inclusion of LGBTQ persons in the life of the Church, long before any majority did. I imagined the Eucharist’s celebrated by those who wore it, both in times of progress, and in times of deep despair. I was overwhelmed by the faith, it represented, in a future that sometimes feels as though it’s almost, but not yet. I felt proud to put it on, but even more so humbled by it. This white, straight, male of privilege, graced to wear a symbol of Christ’s priesthood, and historic mark of hope for those followers of Jesus who were so often told they didn’t belong. Grateful tonight for those who revealed God’s Kingdom before I even knew what it was, and blessed by those who continue to partner with God in building it today.