Integrity

integrity - adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character (dictionary.com) Integrity - a nonprofit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) Episcopalians and our straight friends (integrityusa.org) There is a resolution to come before us which is known as "open communion" (C040): "Resolved, that The Episcopal Church ratify the rubrics and practice[..]to invite all, regardless of age, denomination, or baptism, to the altar for Holy Communion." Currently our canons state that only those baptized are admitted to Holy Communion, and the resolution further calls for elimination of that canon. I understand the argument for requiring baptism for admission to Holy Communion -- that the sacrament of the Eucharist is the way we are fed to live out our baptismal promises. I understand, but I do not agree. The place where my desire to welcome all to the table was affirmed was at the Integrity Eucharist here at Convention on Monday night. The welcome was profound, and it was the first act of the liturgy -- before the entrance, before a prayer was said. All present were assured of God's deep, unconditional love for each one, and all were invited to the altar. When all had eaten the bread and drunk the wine, we prayed: May we who have fed at Wisdom's table take her welcome out to where tables are reserved and doors are closed; may this same Spirit drive us to break our bread on the altar of the world. Amen.