Here are two questions I have for Christ Church leadership:
1. Do you believe that the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, is eternally subordinate to the Father in role and function?
2. Would a Black Christian man or woman engaged to an Anglo Christian be able to marry at Christ Church?
The first involves a theological debate raging in evangelical circles and the second simply asks a hypothetical. Both are important, and knowing that at least a handful of Kirkers will be reading, I expect an answer soon and will discuss the response.
I am a Chinese Sikh, and my wife is a white Buddhist. We married in a civil ceremony at the county courthouse. The possibility that you pose here in your blog of an interracial couple not being able to marry in a supposedly Christian church is quite scary to contemplate. The proposition that racial bigotry can still flourish under the cover of religious sectarianism after years of the Civil Rights movement and equal opportunity laws–and even into the 21st century–means that those who profess to be Christians still have a long way to go.
Comment by Loren — August 10, 2008 @ 9:12 pm
Loren, I agree, and I’m very sad that the answer to the question isn’t clear. Thanks for reading and responding.
Keely
Comment by Keely Emerine Mix — August 10, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
Regarding the question of marriage: The answer “isn’t clear” to you, and yet your question contains a clear hint of slander in implying as a possibility that we might hold an unbiblical view. Loren for one has heard you loud and clear. If the answer “isn’t clear” you are to think the best particularly when one’s good name is involved. It’s in the bible with no free passes for current blog practices. Second, if you get the answer you agree with, will you be able to undo the incorrect implications you have sown. I’ve got a suggestion that is just crazy enough to work: write Doug. Anselm house isn’t Boo Radley’s house, and even if it were Gem and Scout, fictional children though they were, cowboyed up by the end of the book.
I have more to say but in the interests of following my own admonitions, I’ll talk to you off line about it. Be sure and let us know what Doug’s reply was.
Comment by David D. — August 11, 2008 @ 5:24 am
Are you really saying, David, that a man who reveres R. L. Dabney, has defended American slaveholding, considers himself a paleo-Confederate and has shown nothing but scorn and contempt for the civil rights movement while embracing a friend, co-pastor, and co-author who is a former League of the South board member is somehow unfairly questioned about his views on interracial marriage? Really? Please know that I would like very much to hear that Wilson would, in fact, perform such a wedding — I would acknowledge such a thing publicly and gladly. As for just writing to him at Anselm House — I asked the question publicly so that it would be answered, or not answered, publicly. He has made himself a very public figure; I don’t believe I’m in error for asking him a public question about his public ministry.
Keely
Comment by Keely Emerine Mix — August 11, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
I agree with Keely, David D..
For the sake of maturity, responsibility, and accountability say what you mean and mean what you say . . . publicly.
Comment by Tom Hansen — August 11, 2008 @ 5:34 pm