Ruthann DeJuliis' Dialogue Response

From: Ruthann DeJuliis

Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 6:10 PM
Subject: Dialogue Responses

What are your thoughts on the proposed mission statement? What are your feelings?

Too bad that All does not mean All to all people, however this reminds me of the time during the civil rights struggle when the words “separate but equal” did not mean equal at all! Since all people are of sacred worth, then the extra effort to identify all people is a effort worth taking. I feel good about our community that will place the feelings of others and their need to be certain of their inclusion about our own need to have a succinct mission statement.

How would the revised mission statement above impact you? members of your household? the community?

How it impacts me and my family is so minor compared to how it might impact others. By that I mean that I recognize that this statement already includes and identifies us; but if in so listing specifically we can begin a conversation that leads others to Jesus then the impact will be huge!

How do you sense God is calling you to behave toward seekers and followers of Jesus Christ who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender?

I work with a transgender person that lives in Newark whom I have invited to Skyline. I have listened to her talk over the years and we have discussed topics of spirituality so that I have wanted to invite her so that we might worship together. She flatly refused saying “I have had enough of being judged by church people” to which I replied “I would think you of all people would know something of pre judging” but her past hurts are too great. A different coworker, who lives in Philadelphia, recently came out as a lesbian. Shortly after this announcement I sought her out and commented on her announcement. I told her I’d heard and I wanted her to know it changed nothing for me. She replied “I knew it wouldn’t. I know you get it how we are all just the ‘disciples whom Jesus loved.’ That is all we are supposed to do, in my book, is to make sure everyone know they are that disciple.” She went on to say she hope we can together help this other coworker know that too. At my work it is well known that I am a seminarian, and I am sort of the unofficial chaplain for my work area. That this is what is known about me and my love of people makes me hope that others too will see the love of Christ and seek Him as well. How do I sense God is calling me to behave toward others? The same way Jesus did; by living, laughing, eating and worshiping as one.

Ruthann DeJuliis