John Cooper's Dialogue Response

From: John Cooper
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008
Subject: Invitation to join dialogue memo

I read through the handout that you gave me. I think it makes a lot of sense and I think the questions are the right questions to ask.

The one thing you might want to consider including is a paragraph on “why”. I would imagine there may be several members of the congregation that aren’t as close to this issue. Why is it important for Skyline to make this change now? Is there still a place for me? Is this too radical, I am ok with GLBT folks in the congregation but why change the mission statement? Other churches aren’t doing it?

My personal take is:

My vision of a Christian community is one of acceptance. I like to think that no matter what predicament I might be in, the church would be the one place I could find solace and friendship, regardless of whether I was adhering to all the doctrine. It concerns me to think that other Christians aren’t given this same right.

Why now? It is important for the health of the church to stay current with issues facing society as a whole. The gay/lesbian issue has clearly been in the headlines in recent months. By acknowledging it, it shows we are a living church grounded in present day.

What I don’t think the mission is: It is not a line drawn in the sand meant to taunt those with a different perspective. In fact, it is the opposite. It is an attempt to create an atmosphere for all Christians to come together in a safe haven. It is more important for us to acknowledge and support that each of us is trying to get on or stay on the right path than it is for us to review the path others have taken.

I hope this helps!