God calls all of his children to the table. We can disagree and even say a lot of hateful things, but what we can't do in good conscience is leave the table. Or demand that someone else not be at the table.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of inclusion and the obligation to engage with others, even in disagreement.
Gene Robinson's quote highlights the idea that despite our differences and the potentially hateful things we might say, it is essential to remain inclusive and welcoming to everyone. 'God calls all of his children to the table' suggests that unity and open dialogue are crucial, and we should not isolate ourselves or others because of differing opinions or beliefs.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about fostering community during divided times.
It is at least a small comfort to me, as a gay rights and marriage equality advocate, to know that like any marriage, gay and lesbian couples are subject to the same complications and hardships that afflict marriages between heterosexual couples.
It seems to me, then, that vulnerability and and self-disclosure are at the heart of what we understand about the nature of God. And the reason I believe gay and lesbian people are spiritual people is that we too have participated in vulnerability and self-disclosure, especially in the process of coming-out. When someone shares with you who they really, really are, it is a special offering. To do so when it risks rejection is a profound, holy gift.
Sometimes it has to do with other longings that are much more existential. Sometimes you go elsewhere not because you are not liking the one you are with; you are not liking the person you have become.
It explains why people come home from work or school and immediately switch on the television. They are not interested in the program much of the time, they do not even know what is on. But they are desperate for the sound of another human voice in their lives
Marriage is like life - it is a field of battle, not a bed of roses.
There are few things sweeter in this world than the guileless, hotheaded, intemperate, open admiration of a junior. Even a woman in her blindest devotion does not fall into the gait of the man she adores, tilt her bonnet to the angle at which he wears his hat, or interlard her speech with his pet oaths.
Instead of building walls, we should be building bridges.
He that has not got a wife is not yet a complete man.
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