I have been an Episcopalian most of my life, but as a child, I was a Southern Baptist. Before I became an Episcopalian, I participated in an Episcopalian Inquirer’s Class, but that was many years ago. This evening, I’ll join another Episcopalian Inquirer’s Class, and I hope to record much of what I learn about being Episcopalian in my blog. Today, I’ll be sharing from the website: episcopalchurch.org – What We Believe

“As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.

“We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.

“The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.” episcopalchurch.org

Years ago, when I became an Episcopalian, I had no idea that the United States of America would regress socially to the point that the word “inclusion” would largely become one that has little meaning for most people.

It is no secret that Donald Trump rejects the idea of inclusion, and when he was elected to a second term as president, I realized that almost half of this nation’s people are fine with his platform of bigotry and hatred.

Trust me. I am not a bigot, and I was proud when Bishop Mary Budde publicly confronted Trump’s plan to target the people who are trying to survive in this country but who fail to meet Trump’s standards of acceptability.

Yesterday, at the National Cathedral, Bishop Budde broke with tradition, as she demonstrated her bravery and stood against Trump’s inhumane behavior.

With Trump in the audience at the post-inauguration National Prayer Service, Budde implored the president to “have mercy … on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away.” Budde

I heartily commend Budde who fearlessly complied with the belief that “The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being….” episcopalchurch.org

Weeks before Bishop Budde confronted Trump, I had decided to commit myself to another study of What Episcopalians Believe. But my commitment to do so is even greater now that I see that Episcopalian Leaders say what they mean–and they follow through and do what they say.

I live in Mississippi–in a state filled with “Christians” who don’t even pretend to practice what they preach.

Many years ago, in a little country Baptist Church, I was taught the song, “Jesus Loves [ALL] the Children of the World–and that song was etched on my soul.  Sunday, I told another church friend who was also a Baptist as a child: “It appears that most of today’s Christians forgot the song that says, ‘Red and Yellow, Black and White–They ARE Precious in His sight….”

What Happened to Caring about What Jesus Said and Did?

It seems that today’s Christian churches are filled with people who no longer care what Jesus said and did. It seems that now there’s a new god in town. Beware.