“The Episcopal Church is a pointillist painting”

Mountain Echo, September 2003

by Elizabeth Hall
The Episcopal Church is a pointillist painting. The specks of color signify different members and their beliefs. The colors, such as fuchsia and cherry red, may clash when placed next to each other. Up close, the dots look chaotic. Some colors are more vivid, some overlap, some cover each other. Hundreds of monochromatic dots fill some spaces, staying impenetrably close together. Other tones are represented in just a few flecks, small but bright, dispersed throughout the piece. Examined closely, the detail is confusing; stepping back, we see a beautiful work of art that is the church. Our diversity is what makes us unique. We accept people for who they are, appreciating and learning from their differences.

This attribute attracts young people, who are constantly searching for sense of belonging. With our unstable consciences and fickle attitudes, it is important for us to know that the church is an understanding, open entity where we will unconditionally belong.

Repeatedly we’ve heard that “young people” are important to the church, and, as an 18-year old, and fitting into this category, I would like to share my thoughts: We must continue to be an accepting community in which everyone is embraced for who they are. It is so important, especially in the 21st century, to set an example with our tolerance and respect. We kids need to learn to love, not hate, and accept, not reject. We must realize that differences enrich our lives and help us grow. If we deny people based solely on whom they love, some of our painting’s dots would fade away. These dots are not necessarily the dominating tones, but the colors that accent the piece, making it vibrant and lifelike. If we all thought the same way, we would be a one-colored canvas, and our work of art would no longer be apparent. We must continue to be a compassionate and loving community, or we will lose these colors that create such a beautiful portrait.

Elizabeth Hall is a member of Trinity, Rutland. She served as a lay alternate deputy at General Convention.

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