Serving at St. Alban’s Friday Lunch program is always a humbling experience. It’s a chance to connect with our community, to offer a warm meal, and to share a moment of human connection. But sometimes, those moments are tinged with something other than warmth.

Several days ago, a gentleman approached me with a familiar mix of contempt and ridicule. “So,” he began, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “how are your ‘Anglican things’ going?”

This wasn’t a new encounter. He’s a regular at our Friday lunches, a man who consistently challenges our church’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. He’s also keen to share his own interpretations of the Bible and his personal definition of what it means to be a “true” Christian – a definition, he makes clear, that excludes the Anglican way.

In that moment, I could have engaged in a debate. I could have defended our church, our beliefs, and our commitment to inclusivity. I could have matched his sarcasm with my own. But instead, I simply replied, “Welcome to Anglican Church.”

I repeated this phrase with the same calm, welcoming tone I use with every guest. It’s a simple greeting, yet it carries a powerful message: You are seen. You are acknowledged. You are welcome here, even if we disagree.

This interaction, and others like it, has prompted me to reflect on the nature of hospitality and the challenges of holding space for those who seem determined to disrupt it.

Why does he keep coming back?

I’ve pondered this question. Why does a man who clearly disapproves of our church continue to return for our free lunch program? Is it simply the need for a meal? Is it a desire to engage in debate? Or is it something else entirely?

Perhaps it’s a testament to the power of community, even when it’s imperfect. Maybe, despite his criticisms, he finds a sense of belonging, however fleeting, within our walls. Or perhaps, deep down, he’s searching for something he can’t quite articulate.

The Power of “Welcome”

My response, “Welcome to Anglican Church,” wasn’t about ignoring his criticisms. It was about choosing to respond with grace rather than defensiveness. It was about affirming his humanity, even when his words were far from kind.

In a world often defined by division and polarization, the simple act of extending welcome can be a radical act of love. It’s a reminder that we are all human, all deserving of dignity and respect, regardless of our beliefs or backgrounds.

Holding Space for Discomfort

Serving at St. Alban’s has taught me that true hospitality isn’t always comfortable. It requires us to hold space for those who challenge us, to listen even when we disagree, and to extend welcome even when it feels difficult.

It’s about creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, even if their views differ from our own. It’s about remembering that we are all on a journey, and that sometimes, the most important thing we can offer is a warm meal and a moment of human connection.

So, to the gentleman who questions our “Anglican things,” I say again, “Welcome to Anglican Church.” We may not agree on everything, but you are welcome here. And we will continue to offer you a meal, a conversation, and a space where you can be yourself, even if that self is critical. Because at the heart of our faith is the belief that everyone is worthy of love and acceptance.