An Open Letter to a Political Leader Newt Gingrich and to a Religious Leader Pat Robertson

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on 29 December 2011 7 Comments
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Question

What biblical texts have you chosen for your funeral?

Answer

Dear Bob,

I have thought about that a great deal and indeed as one of my first retirement activities I worked out my plans and hopes and that document resides in a file in my desk under the title, “Burial Instructions.”  My problem is that I have to revise them periodically as many of those friends on the list to be my pall bearers have now pre-deceased me!

I have chosen hymns many of which are not in the Episcopal hymnal.  I have even received permission to use them in this service on a one time basis.  One of them is written by my close friend Fred Kaan in the United Kingdom, who died a couple of years ago, but whose hymns adorn almost every Christian hymnal except my own.

I also have a list of those I would like to preach on that occasion.  By saying the word list I do not mean to imply that I want everyone on the list to speak.  This will be a service not a vigil! I was rather trying to be sensitive to the fact that funerals cannot be scheduled far in advance and it might not be convenient for some of them to attend.  Any one of them who is available would be outstanding.

The biblical passages that most appeal to me are Paul’s stirring conclusion to his argument in Romans 8, where he asserts that “nothing” can separate me from the love of God and the words from the tenth chapter of John where Jesus is made to state that his purpose was to give life and to give it abundantly.

I don’t anticipate activating these plans any time soon, but I am prepared and when these plans have to be activated, I hope you will be present.

Thanks for writing,

~John Shelby Spong

 

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