When Exclusions and Fears Disappear, the Fruits of the Spirit are Planted

Katie Turpen

Katie Turpen serves the Presbytery of South Louisiana as a Young Adult Volunteer. South Louisiana became a transformed presbytery and passed 10-A by a vote of 46 to 28.

Hello. My name is Katie Turpen, and I am currently serving the Presbytery of South Louisiana as a Young Adult Volunteer. I came to this Presbytery in August to journey along side others in the rebuilding of lives and communities in southern Louisiana. In my short time here volunteering with the outreach missions of two small churches in New Orleans, I have been blessed to witness the warm spirit and ever present resilience of the people of this Presbytery. It is a privilege to be able to work in a community with such loving individuals, and it is a privilege to be able to speak before you today.

Our denomination currently finds itself amidst a time of change and transformation. My hope and prayer for the PCUSA is that in a world crying out for justice and peace that we can answer our call to affirm and accept people of all walks of life. I feel too often my generation is discouraged by the church because they see its mission as gate keeping, and where love should reside, they see only exclusion. I feel God is calling us to return to our original purpose which is opening our doors with compassion and love in the same way Jesus opened up his heart to the people on the margins. If we are to be living reflections of Jesus’ teachings, we must allow all of God's children to be welcomed and affirmed for who they were created to be. If a person exhibits an individual calling, faithfulness, suitability, preparation, and the gifts of ministry and leadership, then he or she should be given the opportunity to be an ordained leader using unique gifts to share Christ’s love.

Our history reveals that when exclusions and fears disappear, the fruits of the spirit are planted. By seeing each other as God sees us, as the Beloved, our eyes and hearts are opened to see these fruits reflected in one another. Once again, I am honored to be able to speak to you today and to be a part of this Presbytery and the fabric of the PCUSA. I hope you vote "Yes" on Amendment 10-A. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your time.