As usual, Frank has a wonderful way of capturing moments and calling us to accountability.

However, one issue did not get enough explanation. Yes, we were more harmonious because some folks decided to leave us. That was their decision to make. They were not thrown out. They chose to leave.

We have attempted to make space for all views for years, EVEN when those for whom we tried to make space refused to make space for those with whom they disagreed.

We have attempted to be disagreeable in an agreeable fashion as well, EVEN when others chose to make less than charitable comments and use terms that were not appropriate.

Those who left could have stayed. A simple request was made of them, namely to respect those with whom they did not agree.

While I personally may have a different view of a subject than someone else, my view is not the only view. It may ultimately prove to be the wrong view. We would indeed have a very different General Convention and a different church if we could learn to live together with differing views on some subjects.

We have allowed some to raise some issues to levels of importance that were not justifiable. The basics of our faith we seem to find a way to share....we just need to find a way to do it together.