As I stood inside the sanctuary of St. Mary in Junction, Ohio; I looked in awe at the beauty of what I was taking in. As I looked through each of the stained glass windows, donated by families and other members of this historically rich parish community, I felt as though I stood in the middle of the crossroads between the past and the future. The sanctuary was empty, and has not been worshipped in since July. But it is still completely intact, and had it not been for the chill in the air or the small puddles of water in the basement, one might not be able to tell that this was a closed church. After all, why would it be? It is in immaculate condition, and the stained glass is world class. It isn't the biggest church I've ever seen, and it isn't the most decadent either. We can save those types of buildings with all of their splendor for the lavish and luxurious expenditures of the hierarchy with their fancy robes, flashy jewelry, and the rest of their royal architecture and attire. This place is a magnificent monument to the will of this Junction community to have a place to gather and worship God together. I stood in there wondering if it would be the last time I would ever see it; and thought about what a tragedy it would be if it was.
I remember when we at St. James were told during a similar moment in our recent history that if we were not willing to do all that it took to preserve what is ours for our children and the future of our community, than perhaps His Excellency made the right decision. Never. Never. Never. Nothing about pillaging St. Mary of her windows and stripping her of her parish identity is right either. Nothing. Now it is up to the good people of Junction to save her. It isn't fair. They didn't ask for this burden. We are here for you; and we will support you. Together as one community of God, we will not fail.
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To the people of St Mary's: My heart goes out to you and I know what it's like to be the minority. You feel like you must be few in numbers who want to do the right thing. I beseech you to search your heart and souls and to think about the people--for many your ancesters who have supported the church for generations to make a better place for you. Now its your turn to honor the people who have given so much and for the future--your grandchildren---maybe some day they will be able to once again sit and worship in YOUR church and know that you fought for one of your civil rights. Freedom to worship where we please. God be with all of you in tese trying times. Helen
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