All Saints Episcopal Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, told a local news station of hate-filled flyers left on the cars of worshipers during Sunday morning services. The three-page flyers targeted the church’s inclusion of gay and lesbian Christians, as well as its acceptance of ordained women.
“Be honest with yourself,” the flyer read. “Do you really want a woman on the altar as a priest?”
The police are investigating the flyers, which are similar to some sent three years ago to the same church. Although not designating it a hate crime at this time, they are reportedly “concerned” about the language in the printed copy and the handwritten marginal notes. Distributing the flyers without a permit is also against city ordinances.
On the parish website, its rector, the Revd Max Wolf, describes the church’s call as one of expansive love.
When I was called to serve as rector of the parish in 2001, I asked the congregations to join me in the simple goal of loving everyone who walks through our doors. We have a focused Mission Statement “that the love of God be more widely known in our community and in the world.” We strive together to live more fully into the Great Commandment taught by Jesus to love God and to love our neighbor.
He responded to the flyers yesterday through the local news station, WBOC.
“It’s really disturbing for people to receive this,” said Rector Max Wolf. “To all sorts of people. Certainly the gay and lesbian members of our parish were offended. But also all their friends and family that love them just the way God made them.”
…Wolf had a message for the author.
“It’s too early to forgive,” he said. “But certainly this inspires me to work harder so we can help break down those barriers.”
Photo via www.allsaintsandstgeorges.org