Meeting the Bish!
Tomorrow, those of us who work for The Naming Project are going to visit with the bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod. The purpose of the meeting is to make reference to the movie that is soon coming out about our little gay church camp. We just want him to know about it if/when some press calls for a reaction
This is going to be one of those strange, awkward conversations. Since both of my colleagues are clergy, they have had a lot more direct communication. However, there is quite a bit of tension between them and the bishop, due to issues of sexuality.
I, on the other hand, am JUST a lay person. I do not warrant the Bishop's attention quite so much. In fact, if I did relate to a synod staff person, it would be the half-time youth ministry coordinator. We did, in fact, inform her about the movie, but she has no power over anything, so she just referred us directly to the bishop and a PR person for the synod.
So, we have two clergy, one of which was ordained extraordinarily, and little old me coming to tell the bishop that we are going to make a big splash in the press. This raises a few questions for me:
1. Does the Bishop even know what The Naming Project is? We have made some attempts to let him know about this ministry we are starting in his area. I have a hunch he has ignored our ministry for some of the more pressing issues out there (like gay ordinations and blessings). Part of me wants to say, "You know about The Naming Project, right? Well, there's a movie about it. Just wanted to let you know."
2. What is he going to do about it anyway? He can't order us to stop the movie. We don't own the movie. A Hollywood company controls it. He couldn't even stop someone's ordination against the rules, so what can he do about a movie?
3. Will he want to see the movie? If so, we are not inviting him to our private showing this weekend. He can walk down the red carpet when this thing has a major showing in Minneapolis.
I think that we are three people he would rather not deal with. It's not that he's a bad bishop. He just plays the political game. And our presence reminds him of things that are beyond his control. That's what is going to make this an interesting conversation.
Oh, one other question: Should I wear a tie?
posted by Ross @ 9:37 PM
5 Comments:
The first time I met our Bishop I was wearing a t-shirt with the word "Heretic" written across the top, ripped jeans and boots. My tattoos were in plain site. Needless to say I wasn't supposed to meet him that day.
A tie might be a better bet!
Well, I'm here at work...not wearing a tie, so I guess that question got answered. It's not like I look bad, but I'm sure not as formal as I could be. I have a hunch that at least one of my colleagues is going to be wearing a tie. Of course, if they both do, then I'll look like a slob. Maybe the bishop won't be wearing a tie (or a cleric), and I'll look normal while the other two look overdressed...here's hoping!
Here's an update: the bishop wore just a sweater. No tie, no cleric. I WIN!
SHAME ON YOU for saying that you are JUST a lay person! You are a talented and gifted leader in the Church, and it does not matter if you are ordained or not. Priesthood of all believers, yo!
Oh yeah, I got assigned to Region 3. Just wanted to share, although you may have read that already.
Please let it be known that my "JUST a lay person" was a very tounge-in-cheek comment. I like to stress that when I get around too many clergy that can get full of themselves. Both of my colleagues, who are clergy, get this as well.
Don't worry, I'm a happy lay person!
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home