Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

I braced for impact.

Less than eight hours after Barack Obama won a second term as president, my father and father-in-law were in the same room. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that one of my daughter’s science terms this week is combustible.

These two men share a love of their children and grandchildren, but the similarities end there. One is a Glen Beck/Rush Limbaugh devotee who earnestly believes America just took a nosedive to destruction. The other is a straight-ticket Democrat, a union guy who has walked the picket line and counted on more than one unemployment check to feed his family.

To my delight and surprise, the election didn’t come up. They both know where the other stands – and that no amount of cajoling or debate will sway one to the other side. So they talked about what they had in common: family, the weather, house repairs, and Thanksgiving plans.
They gave each other grace. They created space so one’s jubilation didn’t collide with another’s deep disappointment.

They traveled from their homes – a few hours for each – to watch the veterans’ program by the second grade classes at my son’s school. They came to be honored for their service to this country, for the people of this county, Democrats and Republicans. 

I’m happy about the election results because my guy won. But I know there are people across the country, in my community, in my church, and in my family for whom the election results have caused grave sadness. 

I pray that our churches rise to the occasion, to be places where people can find common ground and a common table. I hope congregations plan intentional ways over the next few weeks to lift up what unites us, to gently lift those who are crestfallen, to let them mourn, but also to move forward together. 

I don’t have easy answers for this. Perhaps a church-wide Thanksgiving dinner is a place to start. Who can’t bond over turkey, dressing, and gratitude? Maybe the midweek service offers prayers of healing for a nation. Maybe the adult forum offers open discussion, a place for people to name their hopes and fears and perhaps discover that red and blue aren’t always so far apart. 

I wonder: What role will you play? How will your church be an active participant in the much-needed ministry of reconciliation?