Some LGBT-inclusive churches are mixing glitter into Ash Wednesday ashes

[stephaniec]

Some LGBT-inclusive churches are mixing glitter into Ash Wednesday ashes

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/02/16/some-lgbt-inclusive-churches-are-mixing-glitter-into-ash-wednesday-ashes/

Pink News/By Nick Duffy 16th February 2017, 11:13 AM

"A  number of LGBT-inclusive churches in the US are making a statement by adding glitter to their Ash Wednesday mix.
A number of Christian denominations celebrate Ash Wednesday by daubing the blessed ashes of palm branches on the forehead, to symbolise the first day of Lent. "

[Deborah]

I'm not really Catholic anymore but I still retain respect for the liturgy.  This just seems wrong to me as it redirects the whole spirit of this particular ceremony.  It's supposed to symbolize penitence in memory of Christ and the sacrifice.  Glitter just confuses the entire meaning.


It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.
André Gide, Autumn Leaves

[Michelle_P]

The intent is to blend symbols of mortality and hope for members of this particular group of churchgoers.  Modern  Catholic rite has been trying to be more positive in its ceremonies, and rather than seeing Ash Wednesday and Lent as purely about suffering for our sins, there is some emphasis on eventual hope for forgiveness and salvation.  The palm ashes symbolize mortality, and the glitter is supposed to represent hope.

(Disclaimer:  Former Catholic, far too many years of Jesuit training, now a Unitarian Universalist.)


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[RobynD]

Now that is totally cool. Who doesn't like glitter.

[stephaniec]

glow in the dark glitter would be cool and respectful , you'd just see a glowing cross at night.