Issue 25 All WelcomeBlog | All are welcome – or are they?
All are welcome – or are they?
Author: Andy PeckPost Date: 12.12.20
I have been revisiting the book of Acts recently, and have found both peace and challenge in the account. This book arguably documents one of the greatest revolutions of all time. Against the backdrop of social unrest and political oppression, we read of both division and unity; separation and inclusion; violence and encouragement.
With the current climate being no less dramatic, a global pandemic, economic uncertainty and social fear – it has caused me to reflect on the church’s position in today’s society.
One particular account struck a chord with me: Peter healing the lame man at the ‘beautiful gate’ in Acts 3. This idea of a beautiful gate, where ironically, all could behold it, but only able-bodied people were allowed to enter. Those with afflictions or deformities were prevented from entering for risk of tarnishing its image. Despite this, Peter was able to look beyond the so-called lesser position of the lame man and open his arms to offer the gospel. Although there are no longer physical gates, with churches boldly proclaiming ‘all are welcome’, it remains a question as to whether our hearts still uphold the structures preventing others we perceive as ‘lesser than’ from entering. We must remain cognisant of the barriers we have in place preventing those who need it most from entering a place of sanctity and refuge. What are these silent ‘beautiful gates’ forming outside of our churches, corrupting our message that all are welcome?
Today, there are a number of issues presenting themselves as barriers, all of which we have been challenged to confront. We are having difficult conversations that remain necessary and relevant. For example, we have many struggling with their sexuality who do not feel welcome on a Sunday. We have the ongoing matter of racial injustice and the segregation which remains evident within the church. In addition to this, there is the ever present issue of social-class division which we must continue to fight. Are these today’s ‘beautiful gates?’
