A Prayer for a Colourful Inclusive Church

by Iridsece: The Living Apology Project, 2017.

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Living Spirit,

      You call each of us by our name; you call us Loved.

      Together, you call us by our many names; you call us Wonderfully Diverse!

      You call us to come together; you call us Community,
      You call us Church, you call us to this Project…

      You have called us to this time and to this place of

            sharing and listening, of naming and listening, of healing and listening…

Living Christ,

      We listen to the very beat of our hearts,

            an echo of your compassion for those who live on the margins:

      Because of who they love, how they love;

            how they express themselves;

            how they do it or don't do it;

            how their bodies are or aren't;

            how they have been transformed by the courage of authenticity;

      May our hearts beat together with theirs.

      Like you, we too are divinely designed.

      May we live our human years on this earth in your Way,

            as we walk together in your path of love and justice,
      with God and with each other,

            where all are invited and welcomed, valued and celebrated!

Living God,

      You have responded to our cries for justice,

            with decades of courageous organizers, witnesses, advocates and allies;

      You have responded to uplift the lonely and the broken hearted,
      with countless friendships, supportive families members,
      social communities, and affirming churches;

      You have responded to our vision of a colourful and inclusive church,

            with the pastels, paints and brushes of courage, faith and commitment!

            With song and dance!

            With music and celebration!

We thank you for your trust in us.

We thank you that we have been called to be part of this moment in your church when people

            of diverse skin colours and cultures

            of diverse incomes and means

            of diverse ages and abilities

            of diverse lifestyles and commitments

            and of diverse sexualities and gender expressions

      are hearing the call to come together to revive hearts and minds and customs and institutions into living, breathing, dancing, painting, singing, *joyful* celebrations of your people!

May it be so!

Amen!