Experiences like those in the past couple of days—the Guthrie
play and the video at church—have set me to pondering many aspects of
life. The concept of “both-and” is
something we talk about frequently in seminary.
We live someplace within the tension where we can see ‘both’ this ‘and’
that and many times they do not easily reconcile. As leaders in the church we find that many
people take strong positions in ‘either’ / ‘or’. Often there is benefit to be found in all
circumstances, we just have to learn to accept that people come from different
realities, different ‘social locations’ that define our attitudes and
beliefs.
Consider the language of worship. There have been cultural changes in liturgy
over time, but making changes to worship books, like the Episcopal Book of
Common Prayer, take about a decade to put into action. Committees, prayers, votes and rewrites …
repeat …, must occur, and by the time they are approved, the language has
morphed yet again. As a lifelong
Episcopalian, I have experienced some of these transformations and I find that
I am very stuck between the traditional rites and the more inclusive, less misogynistic
language. I understand the benefit of both
and the struggles people have with each.
Where does it leave those who lead when they are in a situation of ‘both’
/ ‘and’? It turns to the context of the
faith community, long discussions and compromise.
Dear God, you are teaching me more and more about my own
boundaries when it comes to my faith. The
borders are flexible and porous, for the most part, and when they are not, I
have reminders put in place to make me think or rethink my position. These are not always easy conversations in my
self-talk, and I trust that you will guide me to right thinking, even when I am
stubborn and clinging to what has been embedded in me over my lifetime. Help me to see, listen and understand, but
mostly help me to grow so I may be a successful leader. Amen.