The 152nd Diocesan Council provided us our annual diocesan-wide reminder of the animus that currently festers within the Church around the related issues of sexuality, biblical interpretation, and the boundaries of fellowship. Back in October of last year the dynamic of these issues emerged for me as I reflected upon the readings for 17 Pentecost. Two of the lessons bring before us, at least on the surface, the relationship of husband and wife, but I suggest that they speak to us more broadly, in a way that challenges, instructs, and encourages us as we navigate the current controversies.
