Having served churches and, more importantly, having attended church for decades now, I can safely say that political engagement is one of the least understood subjects in all the church. It is either used by those who desire a triumphalistic return of Christendom or it is ignored altogether. Considering the harm we can cause others through our sloppy engagement in this realm I suggest a total moratorium on political sermons.
However, in spite of my sincere hope that progressive United Methodists jump into the unknown mission ahead through doing things not yet explored, I feel the need to wade back into the conservative/liberal fight that has overtaken the church and prohibited anyone from moving forward. I do this because I find the framing of what is happening in the UMC to be so manipulative and demeaning by conservative elites.
It is interesting that when you begin to imagine what it could be like to let go of your anger and even more, to bless those who once rejected you, it is actually a little frightening. Anger is so comforting in so many ways; it keeps us safe and isolated. But the blurred vision of what loving others unconditionally – even those who have hurt you – brings a glimmer of liberation to light, though it still remains hazy and off in the distance.
