December 2006
Costa Rica
The first candle is lit.
We will light a candle in the name of who calls us to conversion every day. Our brother, present in the history of the world, attentive to persons living in exclusion: Son and Living Word of the same God.
The second candle is lit.
We will light a candle in the name of who moves today, tonight through the solidarity and the struggles of the people. Who gives us hope for a new heaven and a new earth: Holy Spirit, Source of life.
The third candle is lit.
Amen.
It is with these words of invocation that we begin the Inclusive Ministry service in Paso Ancho, San Jose, Costa Rica. The Inclusive Ministry service is a bi-weekly worship led by the Diversities Commission of the Iglesia Luterana Costarricense (ILCO).
The Diversities Commission is one of the newest groups in the ILCO. In 2005 the ILCO recognized the need to address the HIV/AIDS situation in Costa Rica and, after initiating a regional consultative conference on the issue, decided to form a commission to continue working in this area. It was a fairly novel idea in Costa Rica: a church working in the area of HIV/AIDS. Costa Rica is officially a Catholic nation: meaning that according to the constitution, Catholicism is the official religion of the country (although there is also freedom of religion). The result of this is that in the education system and other public arenas, the policies are influenced by Catholic doctrines and beliefs. When dealing with an issue like HIV/AIDS, this is relevant because it can translate into poor and inadequate sexual education programs in the schools that leave youth misinformed about the realities of this disease and how it can be prevented. As is the custom of the ILCO, when it saw a need in the society, it decided to step in and become involved with this delicate topic and with this vulnerable population. And so the newly formed ILCO �inclusive ministry� commission began forming networks with HIV/AIDS organizations inside and outside of the country.
On December 1st I gathered with many others in the Episcopal Church downtown for an ecumenical service in commemoration of World AIDS Day. Present were members of many organizations directly and indirectly involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Many of these same organizations are also present in the struggle for the dignity and the realization of the rights of people of diverse sexual orientations. These groups are linked to each other as they all face discrimination from mainstream society and live realities that, for many, involve taboo subjects for day-to-day conversation. (I intentionally draw the connection between these two groups in this way so as not to add to the homosexualization of HIV/AIDS. Many people have traditionally thought of HIV/AIDS as a �gay disease,� but this is simply not true and, in many countries, is it married women who have the highest rates of infection).
As the ILCO commission became aware of the realities of these populations, it became almost immediately clear to them that what was needed was a ministry that included not just those living with HIV/AIDS, but a ministry that was inclusive in a much more general and broad sense. Pastor Magnus Hedqvist, who is a key member of this commission writes, �the purpose of the ILCO�s Inclusive Ministry is to encourage groups and individuals, whom the vast majority of Christianity traditionally has excluded, to take a more active part in the life of the church, and thus to share and contribute their experiences and perspectives of GOD as creator and liberator.� It was the ILCO�s desire to hear and be shaped by these voices that have often been silenced by churches and other religious institutions that inspired them expand the understanding of the Inclusive Ministry Commission (whose name has since been changed to the Diversities Commission).
The ILCO sees the work of the Diversities Commission not so much as an opportunity to minister to these traditionally excluded populations, but an opportunity to be on the receiving end of the ministry. It realizes the void that has been created by the historical and contemporary rejection of these populations by the wider Christian church, and seeks to fill it. I find it inspiring to see a church recognize its fears and prejudices, and ask for help to conquer them! The ILCO engages in this ministry so that the church itself may experience a transformation and move closer to being truly inclusive!
The aforementioned bi-weekly worship services in Paso Ancho are incredibly welcoming services in which all are truly welcome. One man remarked that he knew everyone was welcome, no matter who they are or where they are in their faith when a man introduced himself at one service by saying, �I am an atheist.� There is no sermon, simply a time of group reflection on the gospel text and sharing. Sometimes the sharing involves stories of pain and sadness of experiences with family, friends and the church. The service can also be uncomfortable at times for some (arguably all), due to the diversity of those gathered. Many of the people who regularly attend the services are part of the gay and lesbian community. Some of those who attend are living with HIV. Others are transsexuals. And many others are those who have come because they cherish this open space dedicated to recognizing our own prejudices and working to change them and are looking for a new way to understand and express their faith. These services offer a spiritual sanctuary for those who have none; for those who are victims of a reading of the gospel that has too often been used to judge and reject, rather than to liberate and love. It is a space that aims to identify, confront, and denounce every form of discrimination and stigmatization, and has worked to demonstrate that there is more than one way to interpret the gospel and express it liturgically; it emphasizes the importance of inclusivity as a key to understanding and opening the gospel.
As Magnus states, �the journey to inclusiveness has just begun.� We all have leaps and bounds to go to recognize our own judgmental attitudes. Some people remark that they are not prejudiced against anyone�.except those who are prejudiced! Yet I cannot imagine a better step forward and a more sacred gathering and ministry than this one in which the church, too, recognizes its need for forgiveness, acceptance, and transformation.