Letter to the Editor - Uplifting worship at Upper Room Inclusive Catholic Community, Albany, NY

Uplifting worship at Upper Room

Letter to the Editor by Lynn Kinlan

http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion/uplifting-worship-at-upper-room/36037/

The “Women priests push for change” article, July 18, about a local meeting of 48 women priests, reminded me of my experiences with the Troy community called The Upper Room. They have women and men priests and deacons partnering in equal ministry and using inclusive language.

Importantly, the community welcomes all men and women of faith as full members including divorced Catholics, gay and transgender Catholics, and anyone else who might be attracted by a sturdy theology of original blessing rather than original sin.

I first visited the Upper Room out of sheer curiosity about women priests, but I keep going back because of the welcoming inclusivity and positive Catholic theology. The worship is alive and participatory, so different from the impersonal and repetitive rites of the traditional church, where the aging hierarchy seems out of touch with the faithful.

I am thankful for those who ” push for change” because it invigorates and refreshes our faith.

Lynn Kinlan

Guilderland