Despite passing the committee, the full assembly voted to continue the study of the issue of the ordination of gays and lesbians rather than to debate the issue once again in the presbyteries. I agree with the wisdom of the full Assembly because I do not believe that the Church is ready to debate this issue again. We have too much left to learn about hospitality before we debate this issue again. To do so before we have learned to be hospitable, is to once again dwell on who wins and who loses. If instead, we learn how to practice hospitality, then hopefully next time this debate occurs, fearful strangers can sit down together around the table of Christ where guest and host are united, and offer each other the cup of cold water each needs so desperately.
Hospitality makes radical inclusivity possible.
Without it, we will simply continue to divide and conquer. My hope is that in the months to come, we who call ourselves Presbyterians can focus on hospitality, and offering that cup of cold water to the world. I would challenge each of you in your homes, at work, with your neighbors to practice hospitality whenever there is conflict among you. It is not easy. It takes enormous courage and energy to practice hospitality, but it is worth it for it makes unity in the midst of diversity possible.