Tomorrow, the United States celebrates 91 years of women gaining the right to vote. While the church universal has often stood in the way of advances toward gender equality, there are powerful witnesses throughout the Christian tradition, and our Episcopal branch in particular who have challenged oppression. St. Cyprian's is a community that has depended on the hard work, commitment, wisdom, and faith of strong women. While few past members were outspoken in their negative views of the ordination of women, nonetheless St. Cyprian's was among the first in the Diocese of California to call a woman as Rector. This church enthusiastically welcomed the Rt. Reverend Barbara Harris, the first female bishop in the Anglican Communion in the late 80s. When I recently read an article about a catholic church that banned female acolytes, I recalled my friends growing up at St. Paul's on-the-Hill in Winchester, Virginia, Kate & Jordan Shea, Heather O'Hara, Erin Riley and Rebecca Swanson (and many others) all who were far better acolytes than most of us guys.

The Episcopal Church has many witnesses to the importance of gender equality. Among them are people like Francis Perkins, Verna Dozier, & Margaret Mead. One of my favorite theologians is William Stringfellow, who as a gay man spoke up strongly for the ordination of women. Yesterday, the first female President of the Episcopal Church's House of Deputies passed away, a friend of mine lovingly called her a "trailblazer in pumps."

Change takes time, but change also takes commitment. As St. Cyprian's faces the future with courage --- we do so remembering we're part of an ongoing adventure to a future where everyone matters. May we continue to honor and celebrate the ministry of all believers. One of the many songs I love that we sing at St. Cyprian's is "The Welcome Table," during the Civil Rights Movement, this line was often added, "I'm gonna be a registered voter." May we keep singing that song, giving thanks for the hard work of generations, finding inspiration for the struggles of today.

See you soon at Turk & Lyon!

Take Our Survey  

In an effort to gather valuable information for our developing faith programs at St. Cyprian's, our Jr. Warden, Jarie Bolander created a survey. Please take a few minutes and fill this out for us. Begin by clicking here.