Not 'Nondenominational,' but Post-Denominational

I would honestly rather see us move into a post-denominational era where we associate with one another around shared values; no property trust clauses; no big blowouts for the sake of trying to hold a denomination together.

I'm ready to be ecumenical with and serve any congregation who strives for the inclusion and equity and genuine welcome of all people; and to let congregations who don't want to be inclusive go form other associations.

I think the idea that we're trying to hold together people who want to be inclusive together with people who don't want to be inclusive, largely for reasons related to property and assets, because we started as a White European movement several centuries ago, is really frustrating, wildly impractical, and probably contrary to what Jesus ever intended. 

Now, to be clear: I do not mean that our denominations should seek to become 'Non-denominational,' that is, to not have a judicatory system of accountability and credentialing of ministers. We do need this. However, wherever we can build cooperation and share resources among the denominations, it is essential that we do this.

Some may ask, how can we partner with people with whom we disagree theologically? A Presbyterian may not agree theologically with a Methodist or a Mennonite, for example. To this, I respond:

There's a lot more room for respectful theological dialogue about polity and eschatology (and all the things we cannot know or see) if we begin with the starting point that all people are created equally and are equally beloved by God and called to serve. Within each denomination, there are groups who don't recognize women's equality, racial equality, and/ or LGBTQIA+ equality-- including elements within the PCUSA. Meanwhile, I've enjoyed the theological diversity on matters we cannot see or know among the people within ecumenical circles who can recognize the full humanity and inclusion of all human beings.

For example, I currently serve a welcoming UMC congregation; I hang out with Episcopalian friends at their church; I take my kids to Orthodox Easter services; my seminary president was a progressive American Baptist (and I went to a progressive UCC/ ABC congregation in Hyde Park regularly); and Christan Peacemaker Teams was largely Anabaptist... and then there's the progressive Catholics... the real essential in theology is what Jesus taught us: to love our neighbors as ourselves.