The Whole Creation

From Alternate Arthur Villareal

Mark 16:15: "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation." I am honored to have had a sat on the floor today as a deputy with voice, and vote, while the floor moved to debate and vote on resolution C056. Make no mistake. I did not take this position lightly; especially knowing that my vote counted toward a majority in the Lay and Clerical orders.

For me, one voice stood out during the deliberation. One deputy spoke against C056 with the fear and in trepidation of our church living into the world and leaving behind the traditions of our biblical history. But I believe that is just what Jesus has called us to do, as mentioned in Mark 16:15, "Go into the world." I also believe that our mission is to seek and serve everyone, the poor, the marginalized, and those who live with injustice. When I support C056, I am reminded of all who fall into the category of "the whole creation." I have a sense that this resolution and others brought before the convention this year confirms our desire to live into full inclusion. I pray that we, as a church, understand this as an awesome moment in time to take advantage of real evangelism and meaningful pastoral care. We are in a unique position to say to the world, "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You;" all of you. I believe this welcome is extended equally to the LGBT community as well as to our straight sisters and brothers. Therefore, we have a commission to minister to everyone and to one another in continued support and pastoral care in honor of each and everyone’s spiritual journey.

I do believe we can and are living into Ubuntu.