What does a fire tower have to do with church? In this Reconciling Thought, Bishop Brian Cole, just back from vacation, reflects on how a rebuilt fire tower can provide a whole new vision once it became accessible to all.
Transcript
– Hi, I’m Bishop Brian. Susan and I have just returned from summer vacation in Door County, Wisconsin. We’ve gone there the last 16 summers and have grown to love that part of the Upper Midwest. Our very first summer there, 16 years ago, we hiked in Peninsula State Park, in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, and we walked up a traditional fire tower, steps going straight up. We were 16 years younger, and enjoyed an incredible view. An incredible view you could see if you could walk up those steps. So folks in wheelchairs, folks with limited mobility, could not make that journey, could not see that view.
That fire tower fell into disrepair and was condemned, and they have made a decision, a remarkable decision, an incredible decision, to rebuild a fire tower in the 21st century, that along with steps going straight up, also has this incredible access for all, in wheelchairs or limited mobility. This incredible ramp that goes out into the forest, out into the trees. And that ramp ends up at the top of the fire tower. A decision was made to make everyone invited and everyone included in accessing that fire tower.
In making that decision, I’m aware that even more people now participate in seeing that tower and making that journey up and seeing that incredible view. As you and I are in this time of building and rebuilding Christian community, so we’re always doing, it’s important to keep wondering about who’s there. Who has access? Who doesn’t have access? And to make sure we build our spaces with those folks in mind who aren’t there. And not just around issues of physical mobility, also people who’ve been shamed or hurt by the church, who don’t think they belong, who don’t think they have a way in, or don’t have a sense that we are looking for them, inviting them into our communities, that requires us to go out and to build spaces that are accessible. Emotionally, spiritually, physically, in every way possible to have access. ‘Cause when you build them and build them right, they’re architectural wonders. They’re things of beauty. That fire tower in Door County, Wisconsin invites many, many more people than ever could have been imagined.
My hope for us as a diocese and parish churches, as we think about how we build communities, particularly for the folks who are missing, when we get that right, we will find all of God’s children numbered among us and with us. Thank you.