For a half-century an exemplar of the love and justice of our God in Christ, All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena celebrated 100 years in its magnificent church building on Sunday. It was one cornerstone of an epic, festive annual homecoming service. Thousands participated, jamming the old stone church and tuning in via Zoom.
Priest in charge the Rev. Canon Tim Rich roused us with exuberant welcome. The parish’s legendary choristers — Unidad and the Trouveres, the younger singers, and the mighty Canterbury and Coventry choirs — joined as in one voice, making a glorious gift of song to God. We heard two selections composed for the day, including by director of music Weicheng Zhao.
Director of liturgy Melissa Hayes had seen to every detail, including a beautiful bulletin we’ll all keep forever, detailing every All Saints signpost, from the racism of an earlier generation that kept people of African descent away, leading to the creation of nearby St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, to the true work of Jesus Christ’s ministry on behalf of all people, every nation and race, every orientation and identification, every sect and faith.
Along to preside, preach, and present a centenary gift of Vincent Mazzuchelli’s magnificent calligraphy, I was honored to have All Saints and justice ministry veteran the Rev. Canon Susan Russell serve as my chaplain. “Safe at Home” was my unavoidable theme. A safe, happy home, where love crowds out shame, when we are so blessed, better incubates our work for Christ in a suffering world.
We could have had no better contrast last weekend than the suffering we have wrought in people’s home town of Springfield, Ohio. Fleeing the consequences of centuries of European colonialism and U.S. political interference, our Haitian siblings should at the very least feel safe at home among us. Accomplishing this work of welcome should be a simple thing.
Instead they’re now the victims of another round of savagery. Christians know about the blood libel, a cornerstone of medieval Christian antisemitism – the idea that Jews craved the blood of children for their cooking. Now in 21st century America, we’re hearing the wicked accusation that our neighbors of color are eating people’s beloved pets.
Haters are making bomb threats, forcing schools and hospitals to close, and putting the lives of our neighbors and their children at risk. Unrepentant politicians vow they’ll go to Springfield in our name, invade our neighbors’ homes, and bus them and other immigrants to vast encampments in the Texas desert. One of the conspirators has bragged that it will be “greater than any national infrastructure project.”
We were gloriously safe at home on Sunday, and all the saints of All Saints deserved every moment of celebration. Yet as Robert Hunter wrote for the Grateful Dead, “Every silver lining’s got a touch of grey.” As the saints step again into the grey, shining the light of Christ, what a perfect opportunity for another season of All Saints advocacy.
