Sandra Montes Resigns from Episcopal Church Executive Council Amid Calls for Inclusion
The Episcopal Church faces calls for greater inclusivity following the resignation of a prominent member of its Executive Council. Sandra Teresa Soledad Montes Vela, known for her advocacy for minority communities, left her position citing a lack of inclusivity in leadership.
Writing on Facebook on October 23, Montes shared her decision to step down, highlighting concerns regarding spiritual and institutional violence. “October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I must also name spiritual and institutional violence,” she explained in her post, as reported by the Episcopal News Service. Montes, who identifies as pansexual, emphasized the need for love and faith to be rooted in truth and safety.
Further elaborating on her decision the following day, Montes expressed her determination not to let the church’s “wounds and oppressive systems” shape her narrative. She reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for justice and celebration of marginalized communities.
Montes had previously filed a Title IV disciplinary complaint against Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe following a verbal altercation. The issue was resolved with what church officials termed a “pastoral response.”
The resignation came after a recent church leadership meeting held via Zoom, where Montes, alongside other council members, questioned Bishop Rowe’s handling of a vacancy on the council. Joe McDaniel, another member of the council and part of the Nominating Advisory Committee, voiced concerns over being excluded from the decision-making process.
“It doesn’t make sense to appoint a committee with people of color and not empower them to proceed with exercising that power,” McDaniel stated, emphasizing that this oversight was indicative of deeper issues of racial inequality within the church.
Bishop Rowe clarified that the advisory committee’s role was limited and urged the council to continue with the voting process. He concluded the discussion with a prayer.
Montes, elected in 2022 and originally set to serve until 2027, voiced her frustration with the church’s dynamics. “I’ve lived through gaslighting, silencing, and a Title IV process that ended with a ‘pastoral response’ where there should have been accountability,” she noted, criticizing the church for prioritizing comfort over necessary change.
Montes’ departure underscores ongoing debates about inclusivity within religious institutions, with her advocacy work continuing beyond her official role in the church.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
