An Invitation to a Better Way

Chances are, if you’re anything like me, you look around our nation right now and you’re deeply concerned by what you see. 

We’ve lived through some dangerous periods as a country, but this chapter of our national story feels particularly difficult. Our politics are poisoned, our culture has become coarsened and we only seem to be able to see the people with whom we disagree through the lens of suspicion, anger and animosity. 

Here’s the ironic part: I have yet to meet anyone who actually likes living this way. The one thing we all seem able to agree on is that we don’t like living so disagreeably.  

That’s why this Cathedral has launched an initiative called A Better Way. We are trying to model, and to point to, a better way of listening to each other, learning from each other and finding our way forward as a nation.  

We start with two fundamental ideas. First, every person is a beloved child of God, regardless of who they vote for. And second, Americans yearn for a better way to be in relationship with one another. 

This better way begins by learning to see our neighbor beyond partisan labels or political beliefs. It is rooted in grace, nurtured by love and fueled by compassion. We may not always agree, but we can find ways to treat each other with humility, decency and generosity of spirit.  

In fact, Americans have rarely agreed on everything. Diverse opinions and healthy disagreement are signs of a flourishing democracy; they are good things and part of our national DNA. 

For nearly 250 years, we have found the way through our differences with a kind of social compact: Respecting the rule of law, protecting the right to free speech, yielding to the will of the people, and rejecting political violence. We operate under a common commitment to civility that is undergirded by our shared values of decency, mutual respect, honesty and giving one another the benefit of the doubt. 

In other words, we need to show each other more than a little grace.  

For us as Christians, we are commanded to love our neighbors — even to love our enemies — in recognition that each one of us is precious in God’s sight. Scripture shows us what that love looks like: Patient. Kind. Humble. Gracious. Hopeful. Just. 

I don’t pretend that this is easy, but it is the most important thing we can do as a country. This is holy and important work.  

Because this nation is a collection of individuals, the work ahead must become personal. Each of us is called to examine our own hearts, our own fears, our own blind spots. Sometimes, before we can help to heal the body politic, we must first do some work on our own souls.  

Over the next five weeks, some of our clergy will offer practical tips on the important steps each of us must take to help us find that better way. We must wrestle with our own anxiety, face our fears of disappointment, see the face of God in each other, learn to take the long view and, yes, love those who don’t love us back.  

The only way to get past this present moment is to go through it. Thankfully, we follow a God of grace who promises to accompany us along the way. As we journey together, may our song be taken from the beloved old hymn: 

“From the fears that long have bound us, free our hearts to faith and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the living of these days.” 

A Prayer for the Nation

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. 

Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.  

Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. 

In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Book of Common Prayer