The Living Church recently highlighted a significant effort within the Episcopal Church to model respectful dialogue across deep theological differences. In an article by Caleb Maglaya Galaraga, leaders from across the spectrum of belief gathered in the Diocese of Long Island from May 13–15 to engage in thoughtful conversation about same-sex marriage, unity, and the future of the Church.
The gathering was convened by the Rev. Scott Gunn of Forward Movement and the Rev. Dr. Matthew S.C. Olver of The Living Church, and hosted by Bishop Lawrence Provenzano at the Cathedral of the Incarnation. “Jesus told us to love our neighbors,” Gunn said. “I think the conversations that we’re having are important... they’re helping us practice the skill of having difficult conversations with people that we are called to love.”
Participants included clergy and lay leaders with differing views and lived experiences—some in same-sex marriages, some single, others in heterosexual unions. Together, they examined how the Church can sustain communion while honoring theological integrity and diversity.