Citation

Senecal KH. J. Relig. Abuse 2006; 8(1): 83-88.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J154v08n01_14

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the winter of 2002, the ministers and some of the lay leadership of Judson Memorial Church in New York City read Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker's book Proverbs of Ashes: Violence, Redemptive Suffering, and the Search for What Saves Us. The book inspired a Lenten preaching and discussion series at Judson on the subject of atonement theology. In response to these Lenten conversations, when Rev. Karen H. Senecal breaks the bread and pours the wine at the communion table instead of reciting the more traditional sacrificial words of institution-“This is my body, broken for you”-she retells the Road to Emmaus story-“Their eyes were opened, and they recognized their friend and leader in the breaking of bread”-as a way to uphold the life affirming aspects of Jesus' ministry. This is an adaptation from sermon “The Struggle to Find Life” which was delivered at Judson Memorial Church by Rev. Karen H. Senecal on March 10, 2002.