Dear Zion Family, Over the last few months there has been a fair
amount of conflict, of feelings of unease and worry. Most of this been a direct result of my
announcement in June of my intention to transition from Erik to Erika. I did not make the decision to announce my
plans in the best way, doing so without giving Council the respect of
communicating my intentions with them first. Making that announcement so
closely after the announcement of Missy’s departure caused a great deal of
additional unnecessary shock and pain. For that I am sorry, and fully admit my
failings and fault. While I did not think that my announcement and
decision would be without controversy, it had been my belief that our covenant
to be an Open and Affirming congregation would be the base upon which, we as a
congregation could unite in our questions and worries, and together find a way
forward. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. That is a reality that
grieves me greatly. My love and concern for this fellowship of
faith is deep and great. Over the last few weeks it has become clear to me that
my continued presence as the pastor of Zion is not a presence that promotes healing,
it instead creates further division. Division has never been, and will never be
my desire. I wish it were possible for all of the people of Zion to find a way
to move forward and find healing under my pastoral leadership; unfortunately,
that is not the reality we are living with. During the Council meeting on
October 3, I offered my resignation. It was accepted. My last Sunday will be
Dec. 30th. I fully recognize that my departure is not one
of happiness and joy. In fact, there is a great deal of sorrow, grief and even
anger being felt. By me, and by the congregation. Yet, you cannot allow those emotions
to become barriers from coming together as a congregation and finding a path
forward together. My hope and prayer is that the entire
congregation will enter into a time of reflection, prayer and decision making.
Who is Zion? Who does Zion want to be? What are the hopes and dreams of Zion's membership
that will guide and carry it into the future? What has been learned from the
experiences of the last few months? Who is God calling you to be? What is the
voice God has given you that needs to be heard? When I accepted the call to Zion four years
ago, I did so with a great deal of hope and many dreams of our future together.
I prayed that Zion would become a very special place in the Ohio Valley. A
place where the love of God was declared and felt by all, where our welcome was
truly extravagant. A church where an inclusive and progressive Christian faith
would be our claim and our pride. I hope and pray, that you will fulfill those
hopes and dreams. With the Greatest of Hope. Rev. E. E. Breddin |
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