I had a great discussion with my dad last night as to why I use the word humankind rather than mankind. I believe the language we use has the power to exclude. We can also use words carefully to try and be inclusive. I have noticed the difference it can make to be either invited by name to something, or not to be mentioned, leaving uncertainty as to if I'm wanted or not. This morning I'm off to the village chapel where I've always felt warmly welcomed. My aim is to let someone there know how much I appreciate a paragraph they submitted to the village jubilee book that I read yesterday. They wrote about messy church and family, and specified that all were welcome. More than this they went on to explain that it is about _being_ family and single, widowed, grandparents, childless and divorced people all are welcome. I think the explicit list is helpful cos I know when in a place of doubting I know I can wonder - it says all but do they really mean me? Of course I'd have been even happier if they had also mentioned same sex couples as traditionally the church isn't well known for recognizing their vital contribution to being family. So if I can do it without getting upset, or even if I get upset anyway, I will thank them for going that extra step to let people know - you are wanted here, come and take your place.
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Found the right person to thank (spreading the congratulations on the way as I tracked them down) - yay!!
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