Hello, Friends!

     Clergy love “borrowing” great ideas from each other.  Truth is, as we all know, there really are no “original” ideas, just re-adaptations and creative interpretations of the basics.

    Of course times change, situations change, and perceptions and social constructions change—so our understandings of Wisdom’s essential teachings must adapt and grow.

So it is within Christian community, and within our denomination, today.   I was delighted to read some reflections by my dad’s pastor in their church newsletter last week, about a current program.

     It’s called “Hot Potatoes,” and every Wednesday evening over dinner, Ross and the other pastors gather with interested members to discuss a current “hot” topic—something that’s been a cause of controversy and divisiveness among United Methodists.   I’m so proud of this congregation for undertaking such a courageous enterprise.   Let me explain, from a Southerner’s point of view.

     Southerners prefer an atmosphere of congeniality—yes, there really is such a thing as “Southern hospitality,” where gentility is the standard.   In its best incarnations, this tendency manifests in folks treating each other with courtesy and gentleness, desiring each one’s comfort and ease in the environment.   In its not-so-great forms, there’s more than a bit of obfuscation, avoidance, and downright dishonesty, as people shy away from speaking the truth in love, out of a fear of offending, or disturbing the tranquility (or the appearance thereof) in the atmosphere.

     Given this long-standing way of being, it does indeed take courage to take on an intentional engagement of “hot potato” topics, with the aim of enhancing understanding, deepening community connection, and furthering faithful action.

     Ross’s column underscored the importance, indeed the Gospel imperative, of doing this work, and he offered some gentle reminders about the spirit in which folk can feel free to participate.

     That we can “disagree, without being disagreeable,” was one suggestion.  He noted that as long as the participants enter into conversation with a willingness to listen, as well as express, and with a desire to learn, as well as to persuade, good and useful dialogue can take place.   Underlying this willingness, he urged, must be a basic reverence for others as God’s children, which fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect.

      All this brave work can be accomplished to everyone’s benefit, because we are God’s people, made in Love’s image, and created for Love’s work in the world.   As Christ’s followers, we know we are forgiven, loved, and free—and that means we don’t have to be afraid of anything—least of all a point of view that differs from our own.

     Ross is from South Africa, where he was actively engaged for years in the struggle against apartheid and the efforts to foster healing and understanding across incredibly painful divides, forged over centuries.   So when he urges the good people of Galloway UMC to come to tables of dialogue on tough topics, he has a good bit of “street cred” about what’s possible, and what’s important.

      I’m pondering some possible venues for us, of a similar sort.   Not one of us has ownership of the TRUTH, and I want us to be a community in which everyone’s point of view is honored, as we collectively strive to understand God’s call to be compassionately conscious and self-giving, as Christ is our guide.

      I’d love to hear from you, and I’d love for us to find ways to engage in collective, intentional dialogue, and mutual learning.  Hot potatoes, when served up lovingly, can actually make for a pretty fine feast.   What do you think?

      I look forward to being in dialogue with you this Sunday, and all our days to come.

Shalom,

Sarah