Where the Edge Gathers:. Yvette A. Flunder

new arche (Middle English word that means chief, highest, most important), a higher guiding principle, a new master narrative must be instituted by, for, and in the church. This new arche must reverberate into society. I agree with Sharon Welch’s position regarding the response that liberation theologians are requiring the church to signal that more has taken place than a mere acknowledgement of the Christian tradition of oppression. It is time for “repentance and conversion.”²⁰ I feel so strongly that it is time for change that I find myself recommending two things to those seeking to have their unions sanctioned by their faith community—join supportive communities and read the Bible with liberation lenses.

       Join Supportive Communities

      As we are still a good distance from changing the systemic prejudice against SGL people, Farley’s position on the need to change the framework of a relationship in order to keep the original meaning of the commitment certainly applies here. Persons seeking community support should go where that support is evident. Vote with your feet. Abuse is free on the street; there is no point seeking it out and joining it. We join faith communities to be strengthened and nurtured and to have an opportunity to serve. When these goals are no longer attainable, we should look elsewhere.