Christianity Has Gotten a Bad Name

I get it. I don’t like it either. When I hear the name “Christian” I wonder what I’m going to hear next. When I hear bigotry, misogyny, homophobia – all done in the name of God, I’m furious. I’m sure you are too. So many of us have given up on any sort of organized religion, really because we find it exhausting. Why all the fights? Why the judgment? Why doesn’t the church understand that people are all the same – and we are all just people doing our best to take care of those we love, and make a difference in this world?

Yes, we know God is there, but the more the church talks about God, the harder it is to believe in a God like the one they are describing. At least if we don’t go to church we don’t have to listen to the misguided views of a pastor who is so certain of God’s view of the world that he is willing to condemn people. We are sick of it. I am too. So, I did something about it. I became an Episcopal priest.

Not every pastor is judgmental. Not every priest is going to make you feel guilty or tell you that you need to be someone other than who you are. There is a place where you can find the community you long for, a place to belong. There is a place where you will find openness, acceptance for who you are and who you love, and genuine caring and support. I know I need that in my life… don’t you?

If you do, I am writing to encourage you to give your local Episcopal Church a try. Meet with the Priest. If you have concerns about organized religion, talk to her or him. Help us help you find the community you are so longing for. If this open letter is resonating with you and you’d like to talk with someone, I’d love to talk with you to help you find a church home. Give me a call.

We all need a place to belong. We all need a loving community. We need a place where we can give back and make a difference in our community. At Trinity Episcopal Church, in Elkridge Maryland we are the place where you can find all of those things. Won’t you join us?

There are bad apples in every bunch. The loudest among us tend to get the most attention. Christianity has gotten a bad name. But THAT version of Christianity has nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus was controversial and revolutionary precisely because he was inclusive, worked for social justice, and challenged us to love each other in spite of our differences. We were created to be in community. God, by virtue of being Trinity, is community. This Easter can be the year you find the community you are looking for.

God Bless you this Easter. Allow your spiritual life to be resurrected. Don’t give up on finding a community where you can worship and serve God and your neighbors.

Faithfully,

The Reverend Anne Coghill MacNabb

Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church

7474 Washington Boulevard

Elkridge, Maryland 21075

410-2203628