Recently I was listening to a tape by Cynthia Bourgeault on the Law of Three. She said that when we get into a time of opposing forces, instead of seeking some compromise between the two, we should look for the Holy Spirit to bring in a completely new solution. The solution is not just part of each proposal, but wholly and holy other. I thought of this yesterday as I listened to Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and President Bonnie Anderson. It seems as if there are competing ideas about our future direction—one to change radically General Convention and our way of passing resolutions as the means of giving direction to our Church, and the other of opening up the process to many new people. Bishop Katharine talked about conversation instead of legislation and President Bonnie talked about diversity and getting new voices to the table. I felt as if I were in an Edward Albee play in which family members talk to each other but no one hears what the other is saying.
Here’s the hope. Today is the first day of General Convention (yes, I have been here 2 days already). We will have to make a new budget; we will have to figure out a strategy for the future; we will have to find a way to have a conversation which leads to conversion which leads to communion. We will have to be in a new place by next Thursday. As Anne Lamott said to God, “Well, it’s up to you pal.” I am confident the Holy Spirit will show up and praying we will have the grace and courage to listen and follow.
We begin today with worship and committee meetings. Our Education Committee is blessed with relatively few resolutions and a good group. The problem is always finding places to eat something in the suburbs of healthy and finding time to exercise and sleep.
+Porter
