D061 Creating Space for Difference
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,
That we as Episcopalians recognize the rich diversity of thoughts and feelings among us, especially during this difficult time of political strife; and be it further
Resolved, That we acknowledge that all need comfort and space at this time, as well as a path forward for civil discourse; and be it further
Resolved, That the 81st General Convention ask all congregations to develop skills to hold space for our comfort and discomfort, and create discourse to talk to and be with one another when we disagree, and to have conversations in these brave spaces that respect each other and are grace filled; and be it further
Resolved, That congregations use resources such as the Civil Discourse Curriculum developed by The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations, to guide conversations while discussing issues that make us vulnerable, such as politics.
Explanation
Difficult discussions can be a profound tool to aid in reconciliation, healing and continued growth. To be productive, these discussions require us to look at value systems and various points of view that may not only differ from our own, but that we may vehemently oppose. Recently, much of political discourse has resulted in arguing and shouting, rather than trying to understand each other’s point of view.
However, as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to practice the Way of Love. Two scriptural examples, in particular, are brought to mind that demonstrate the redirection of Jesus towards tolerance and respect:
Luke 10:29 shows us a lawyer who was hoping to inherit eternal life, all while attempting to gain relief of the demanding law of “Love thy neighbor as thyself” by redefining who they were responsible to care for, since, through their own prejudices and intolerances, they found themselves unable to love their neighbor as themselves. When the lawyer presses Jesus for an affirmation of their narrow definition, Jesus shares the parable of The Good Samaritan. This passage ends with the lawyer acknowledging to Jesus that a true neighbor is “one who has mercy on others” and Jesus commanding the lawyer to go forth and do the same.
And this: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 22:37-40
God made humankind in all its diversity in Gods’ own image (Genesis 1:26). While we don’t commit to agreeing with every person we meet, we do promise, through our Baptismal Covenant, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.
The success of everything we do involves communication. Honest, open, vulnerable truths can be difficult to express and tough to hear and receive. Acknowledging our differences with an open mind and heart requires courage and compassion. Often passionate feelings, which require temperance and management to handle with civility and basic respect, are evoked for all participants.
In order to conduct more fruitful dialogue, all congregations should develop the skills necessary to have these conversations, creating spaces that hold our discomfort while assuring the participants no harm.
Brave Space is a term taken from: Arao, B., & Clemens, K. and is defined by the use of its five essential elements:
“controversy with civility, owning intentions and impacts, challenge by choice, respect, and no attacks”.