The Power of Conversation

The parliamentary procedure of General convention both irks and delights, depending on the disposition of the deputy.  Today, our vote for Pension Fund trustees didn't quite go as planned, we heard a ten minute history of how we arrived at the controversial legislation BO33 and finally, we had some conversation. 

  As many of you know, we are using a process called public narrative to facilitate conversation in such a way that it encourages discernment and action.  This morning, before Eucharist, we had the first real session where we put it into practice. Our deputation was broken up between two tables and we each took turns telling a two minute story about ourselves to the other members of the group.  The idea behind this process was to engage why we got involved in ministry and to examine that story in community--- so that eventually we might arrive at a communal story which could get us working toward mission.  

I must say, I was really pleased with this morning's results.  It was moving to hear how each of our deputies came to follow Jesus out of the particularities of their own experiences, and I went into worship thinking that this would be well worth doing in our parishes around the diocese.  We each have a testimony, but we so frequently keep it to ourselves, to the detriment of the body, and in some part, to our own spiritual growth.  In telling my story, I remembered why I came to be here serving as a deputy and as Canon for Spanish speaking ministries.  In hearing others, my faith was strengthened knowing that God calls us to minister in so many different and beautiful ways.

So I was feeling pretty good about conversation when we arrived at the Committee of the Whole discussion during the legislative session.  Apparently a full house of deputies conversation of this sort has not been done since the 70's and the sheer magnitude of deputies (almost 1000) made me dubious that it would really work.  But "work" it did.  During the exchange of the peace at the morning eucharist, I passed the peace with some deputies from South Carolina, one of whom, I later found out, employed a dear friend of mine who was one of my mentors in youth group growing up.  South Carolina's deputation is very near ours on the floor of the house, and when Deputy Jennings from Ohio told us to find someone with whom to share a 30 min conversation regarding how BO33 has affected us individually and communally, this same rector turned around and motioned to me.  

Honestly, I was a little worried.  I mean, passing the peace is one thing, but this could be some really sticky conversation with a deputation that is not known for tolerating varying points of view.  My heart kind of leapt, but once I got my wits I walked over and pulled up a chair and proceeded to have one of the most meaningful exchanges yet about BO33.  We talked about ministry, media portrayal, and mission and I left knowing that regardless of how differently we may approach this piece of legislation, we were most certainly united in our desire to proclaim Christ and serve the world in Christ's name.  The labels, conservative and liberal, just flew out the window and we were two Christian brothers sharing the good news with each other.  It felt timeless.  It felt like we could have been walking to Emmaus together only to be surprised by the resurrected Christ walking alongside us.  I can only hope his experience of Christ's presence was as profound as mine.

So often we categorize people by ideological positions, by voting patterns, or through other such superficial criteria.  As Christians our task is to get beyond those stumbling blocks and engage the living God that seeks expression in each of us uniquely.  Thank God General Convention created the space for that to happen.  I hope we can pursue it within our churches and in our interactions with those outside the church.  That seems to be the stuff of real evangelism.  Can you imagine what a witness that would be to this world?