…resolve instead never to put a stumbling-block or hindrance in the way of another.
Romans 14:13b

Most people, if not all of us, have experienced describing a frequent problem, explaining how significant it is for us, and then finding our concern minimized, forgotten, or dismissed. Then, someone else—with more authority or more clout—discovers the same problem and responds with shock and indignation.

“My goodness, it is freezing in here!”
“I can’t believe how rude that person is!”
“Does this thing jam every time??”

We may feel glad to finally be believed but are also irritated that our own voices were insufficient to bring change. “Yes,” we say. “I’ve been telling you this for days/weeks/months/years.”

While this happens to everyone, it happens especially often to people who deal with prejudice or marginalization. I once read an article by a male computer engineer about a time when a remote client thought he was female, treated him abominably, and then apologized when he found out the engineer was a man. The author described how his moral outrage met with conspicuous eye-rolling from his female colleagues. He realized that he had previously dismissed their many complaints as overreaction. For his colleagues, it was great that he spoke up, but frustrating that a man had to speak up for men to believe there was a problem.

I write this because I am about to be every bit as irritating as that male engineer. For the past few weeks, I have experienced what every person on crutches, in a wheelchair, with a walker, cane, or stroller has been telling me for years: the world is an unending series of physical obstacles. I thought I knew, but now I know that every step, every lip, every lintel is an obstruction in life’s flow. Every tight turn, every stray bag, every chair without arms is a source of frustration. Every steep slope or bunched carpet is a hazard, and every set of stairs says “Keep Out!” It is maddening. How maddening must it be for those who already know this to hear me say it.

We’ve got so much great stuff going on at Trinity. Most of us are giving our attention to some excellent project, program, or practice. Even so, let’s start looking, listening, and noticing how our physical space impedes full inclusion and welcome. Let’s look for ways to remove obstacles so Trinity is easier to get around. Let’s listen to each other’s stories of feeling shut out. Let’s consider strategies to help us address barriers for people with mobility issues, neurodivergence, visual impairment, or hearing loss. Take note, talk to your Vestry members, and let’s start removing stumbling blocks to our common life in Christ.

In peace,