Two Gaping Chasms and an Invitation to Wholeness: A Reflection
This piece is essential reading for anyone interested in progressive Christianity, queer theology, and the future of the Church. Below, I’ll explore some of the key themes and insights from Dr. Inkpin’s essay and reflect on why it deserves attention in the broader conversation about faith and inclusion.
The Two Chasms
Dr. Inkpin identifies two major "chasms" in the Anglican Church’s engagement with marriage and LGBTIQA+ people.
The first chasm is the divide between those who argue for "integrity" (often representing conservative theological positions) and those advocating for "inclusion" (progressive voices seeking greater openness). This divide is evident in the Church’s debates, where contributors often talk past one another, failing to engage deeply with the lived experiences of queer Christians.
The second chasm is the exclusion of LGBTIQA+ voices from the Church’s theological and doctrinal discussions. Dr. Inkpin critiques the lack of openly queer contributors in key publications, such as Marriage, Same-Sex Marriage and the Anglican Church of Australia. This omission, she argues, perpetuates a harmful silence and denies the Church the opportunity to learn from the lived faith and theological insights of queer Anglicans.
An Invitation to Wholeness
Rather than simply critiquing the Church, Dr. Inkpin offers a hopeful vision of what queer Anglicans can bring to the Body of Christ. She frames queer Christians as an "invitation to wholeness," offering unique insights into God’s image, the healing praxis of Christ, and the liberating trajectories of Scripture.
Key to this vision is the idea of "flourishing" theology, which moves beyond the binary debates of "integrity" versus "inclusion." Flourishing theology centers on the lived experiences of LGBTIQA+ people, emphasizing the fruits of their relationships, the justice and liberation found in Scripture, and the real presence of God in their lives.
Theological Insights
Dr. Inkpin’s essay is rich with theological reflection, challenging traditional interpretations of Scripture and offering fresh perspectives grounded in queer theology. She critiques the tendency to treat human sexuality and gender as fixed binaries, arguing instead for a more dynamic understanding of the diversity of God’s creation.
She also highlights the importance of lived experience in theological reflection, drawing on the principle of consensus fidelium—the wisdom of the whole Body of Christ, including its "weaker" members. For Dr. Inkpin, the exclusion of queer voices from the Church’s discussions is not only a failure of justice but also a theological loss, as it denies the Church the opportunity to encounter God’s image in all its fullness.
A Call to Action
Dr. Inkpin’s essay is not just a theological reflection; it is also a call to action. She challenges the Church to move beyond its narrow frameworks and to engage deeply with the lives and experiences of LGBTIQA+ people. This includes recognizing the gifts queer Christians bring to the Church, from their insights into covenantal relationships to their contributions to a richer understanding of marriage and sexuality.
Her essay also calls for a reimagining of the Church’s mission, one that prioritizes justice, mercy, and love over rigid adherence to outdated norms. As she writes, "Queer Anglicans warmly invite those who guard or struggle with chasms to reframe their relationships and discourse. Their exclusion serves no one’s lasting good interest. No one need risk death. The invitation is to construct bridges of life, over which all may safely travel, into a more flourishing future for all."
Why This Essay Matters
In a time when the Church is grappling with questions of inclusion and identity, Dr. Inkpin’s essay offers a vital perspective. It challenges us to listen to the voices of those who have been marginalized and to recognize the ways in which their experiences can enrich our understanding of God and the Gospel.
For progressive Christians, this essay is a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create a truly inclusive Church. It is also an invitation to embrace the transformative power of queer theology and to see the diversity of God’s creation as a gift, not a threat.
Final Thoughts
"Two Gaping Chasms and an Invitation to Wholeness" is a powerful and thought-provoking essay that deserves to be widely read and discussed. Dr. Inkpin’s insights challenge us to move beyond the limitations of our current debates and to imagine a Church that truly reflects the radical love and inclusivity of Christ.
As you read this essay, I encourage you to reflect on the ways in which your own faith community can build bridges of understanding and inclusion. How can we, as followers of Christ, ensure that no one is left on the margins? How can we embrace the wholeness that God desires for all of us?
Let’s continue this conversation and work together toward a more just and inclusive Church.
About the Author
The Revd Dr. Josephine Inkpin is a board member of Equal Voices, the national network of LGBTIQA+ Christians and allies. As a transgender woman who has been married to her wife and exercised ordained ministry for over thirty years, Dr. Inkpin brings a deeply personal and scholarly perspective to this essay.
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