Radical Inclusion
Posted on May 12, 2021 by Heather Lewis
Something happened last week in our church that stopped me in my tracks. On May 8, Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer was elected as a bishop in the Sierra Pacific ELCA synod, becoming the first openly transgender person in our country to do so in any major Christian denomination. They will serve almost 200 congregations in California and Nevada.
After the ballots were counted, Pastor Megan’s speech included hoping friends and family call and ask about our faith: "And when they call, tell them how much you love Jesus and why Jesus' faith in you meant why you could have faith in me."
Another quote that struck me: "I am honored and humbled by the Synod's affirmation of my leadership skills. And, I am delighted that my election points to the unending love God has for Their fabulously diverse creation."
It, of course, has not been an easy road for Pastor Megan. My favorite quote gives us an idea of their experience twenty years ago in a Lutheran college: "The people who were in my religion classes with me would sing hymns when I walked by, to try to get rid of my gay demons. And I would just sing harmony."
I have two dear friends who are raising transgender teenagers, so this issue is very real to me. I can hardly put into words how proud I am to be a part of a church that affirms ALL of God’s children, without judgement or exclusion. I hope that Bishop-Elect Rohrer continues to be a shining light, leading us all toward radical inclusion in our church, and our world.
In Christ’s love,
Heather Lewis
Director of Music and Worship