It’s not everyday that you get a family that doubles as best friends.
One of the most exciting and terrifying parts of ministry is the realization that when you answer this call you find yourself being brought into a variety of life events and circumstances that you might otherwise never be a part of. This is a daunting, but yet powerful because it reminds you of all the ways God is working in the people around us. My best friend is getting legally married at the courthouse on Tuesday in Asheville, but she and her finance asked me to put together a commitment ceremony for them to name and celebrate the life they are beginning with each other. Because I am not yet ordained, marriages aren’t something that I’m qualified to do, so instead this service was built on non-denominational and spiritual liturgy. It was an amazing opportunity to be asked to plan and lead a service, and it was a powerful experience to witness the love that was present.
The Proactive Presbyterian
My best friend is getting married next Saturday! I’m heading up to Raleigh to take part in their commitment ceremony, and I cannot stop smiling. Bridget and I met in college, and she has been one of the most inspirational, adventurous, loving, and hopeful friends I have ever had. Today while working on their service I came across the most beautiful Apache wedding blessing, and knew that I wanted to use it as their benediction.
Now you will feel no storms, for each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness, for each of you is companion to the other.
You are two persons, but there is one life before you, and one home.
Turn together to look at the road you traveled, to reach this - the hour of your happiness.
It stretches behind you into the past.
Look to the future that lies ahead.
A long and winding adventure-filled road, whose every turn means discovery, new hopes, new joys, new laughter, and a few shared tears.
May happiness be your companion, may beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years to come.
Go this day to your dwelling place and enter into your days together.
May your days be good and long upon the earth.
Your adventure has just begun!
KDB
“And I’d be 40 miles from Denver headed east bound on the track
I’d be 40 miles from Denver and trying to get back
To that cool mountain air, on an Appalachian trail
Ohh, life is better there.”
Stephen Hayner: Housing Policy Commission
COLUMBIA THEOLOGCIAL SEMINARY
Housing Policy Commission
The Columbia housing policy, which currently does not allow same gender couples access to “married student” housing at CTS, has caused considerable conversation and debate over the last two years. In mid-April, I indicated that the administration was not yet prepared to make changes in the long-standing housing policy, even though many in Columbia’s constituencies have felt strongly that the current policy is unjust with respect to valued members of our community.
Long ago our academic programs were opened to a broad base of students who are eager to study the theological disciplines with us. We now admit qualified students without primary concern for their theological background, church affiliation, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Like any covenant community, we do have standards of faithfulness which we believe to be consistent with healthy community life. But within these parameters all are welcome.
In a diverse community, it is important that standards and policies are regularly evaluated and applied as evenly as possible. Our community, like our own denomination, the broader global Church, and the surrounding culture, has differing perspectives on human sexuality as well as the application of institutional standards. But the fact that these differences exist does not mean that we can any longer delay providing equitable student services for all who are admitted here.
It is time to make changes in our housing policy. And in order to move a process forward, I am appointing a CTS Housing Policy Commission, which will complete its work before the beginning of the 2012 fall semester. The purpose of the Commission will be to establish a fair and administrable housing policy which will serve all of our students and be in accord with the ethical standards of our community. The President and Chair of the Board have agreed that the decisions of this commission will become our policy.
In order for key constituencies to be represented, the Commission will include 13 members:
* 3 members of the Board of Trustees, chosen by the chair of the Board [the chair intends to name the Board committee chairs of the Student Services, Academic Affairs, and Institutional Advancement Committees, since these committees represent constituencies most directly affected by the policy];
* 3 members of the faculty, chosen by the Executive Committee of the Faculty;
* 3 students, chosen by the SCC officers; and
* the Dean of the Faculty and the Dean of Student Services.
The president and the chair of the Board of Trustees will co-moderate the Commission. Alumni/ae will be represented through those on the Commission who are also in this category.
The Commission will convene and complete its work before the opening of the 2012 fall term.
It should be noted that the Housing Policy Commission will only be the immediate next step in relation to our work together around the myriad of issues concerning human sexuality, marriage covenant, family, etc., which have been referenced in the recent controversy. These topics will be revisited through our current pedagogical practices, curriculum revision, community forums, informal conversations, etc. There are many issues in this realm which are contested in society, in the academy and in the Church. As an administration and faculty we are committed to providing biblical, theological, and community-building resources to help us engage one another while we listen for the Spirit’s voice.
Stephen A. Hayner
President
May 9, 2012
