Inclusive Orthodoxy Newsletter
August, 2007

Inclusive Orthodoxy Updates:  

•    Interested in having your poetry published? If so, then point your browser over to www.SanctifiedAnthology.com where you can submit your work. SANCTIFIED will be the world's first LGBT Christian Poetry Anthology and will feature works from numerous lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians from around the world.

•    We recently launched a page on the Inclusive Orthodoxy website for “Words from Our Supporters.” You can check out the feedback we have received so far at http://www.truthsetsfree.net/praise.htm. Feedback is always appreciated and will be considered for publication on the website.

LGBT Christian News:

•    According to the International Herald Tribune, “Malaysia's first openly gay Christian pastor conducted a controversial worship service Sunday, calling on mainstream churches not to discriminate against homosexuals.” For more information Click Here

•    The national assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recently urged bishops to refrain from defrocking LGBT ministers who violate the church’s celibacy rule. St. John’s Lutheran Church in Atlanta, just one day later, had a celebration in support of their minister who is openly gay and partnered. For the full story Click Here

Quote for Reflection:

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." –C.S. Lewis

Well, in about one week I will be preaching at my brother’s ordination to the priesthood. As I reflect on the Sacrament of Holy Orders and also the life of the Church I am reminded of Orthodox theologian and Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann’s book For the Life of the World. He writes in the book how all of creation was created to be a sacramental window pointing towards and revealing God, in a similar way that icons can be viewed as sacramental in the Orthodox Christian tradition. He writes, “The world is a fallen world because it has fallen away from the awareness that God is all in all.” Perhaps it is for this reason alone that Orthodox Christians profess that there are “at least” seven Sacraments. As we carry forward, it is my prayer that like C.S. Lewis we may allow the Light of our faith to illuminate the world that surrounds us, casting a glow upon this earth as the Sacrament it was intended to be, or as Schmemann explained it, as “shot through with the presence of God.” In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Love in Christ,
Justin R. Cannon, Founder/Director
http://www.InclusiveOrthodoxy.org
http://www.TruthSetsFree.net