Issues
By Bishop Paul Peter Jesep
"A new commandment I give to you,
that you love one another;
as I have loved you,
that you also love one another."
Jesus Christ (John 13:34)
President George W. Bush detonated a cultural bomb recently by supporting a marriage amendment to the United States Constitution. As a result, our nation grows further apart as a family.
National Fellowship Day is needed. You've heard of National Prayer Day, now it's time to come-together in a manner that reminds everyone that no matter who they are as individuals they are citizens of the same nation in a cold, complicated world. It also speaks to the issue of everyone's membership in our universal humanity.
Although it seems like a crass ploy to solidify a segment of the president's political base with a Constitutional amendment, its unintended consequences has encouraged fear, bigotry, and ignorance. America is fighting a war on terrorism. It doesn't need a social, cultural, and political war at home. This strategy may serve as nothing more than a diversionary tactic from the growing complexities in the Middle East by slick campaign operatives.
Giving the White House the benefit of the doubt that its position on marriage is good-intentioned, albeit misguided, it has still abrogated responsibility in managing the increasingly ugly national debate now festering about what constitutes a family. Clearly, there are other pressing domestic and international concerns. But it is wrong for a leader of all the people not to help maintain civil debate on a contentious issue.
According to the Gospel of Thomas, "Jesus said, 'if two make peace with each other in a single house, they will say to the mountain, Mover from here! And it will move.'" Good advice. I don't expect Rev. Jerry Falwell, or U.S. Senator Bill Frist, or even Congressman Tom DeLay to change their minds on a constitutional amendment, but a respectful, public interaction at some level seems in order.
Mary Magdalene wrote in her gospel that "once we clothe ourselves with perfect humanity" we become worthy to preach a message of joy, love, and hope. "Perfect humanity" seems like an impossible goal. Emotion, personal bias, and impatience with whom we disagree often makes it a difficult quest. It is impossible, however, if a sincere, persistent effort is never made. Nothing is more destructive among individuals, organizations, or for national cohesiveness if honest dialogue isn't pursued. Giving one another the "silent treatment" causes wounds that deepen with time.
Perfect humanity speaks to our better halves. "Love your enemies," Jesus teaches. "Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you" (Luke 6:27-28). Initiating communication with those who malign, despise, or are willing to use you politically is a step toward realizing perfect humanity.
National Fellowship Day can be kicked off with a breakfast forum on what bonds citizens as Americans in a nation under God. It could include reading poetry by Whitman or passages from Thoreau. It would be an opportunity to put agendas aside. It would be a chance to listen and not judge. This national gathering would be for all citizens - no matter party, ideology, or religion. A broad collection of religious, political, and secular organizations can assist in organizing such events on the same day throughout the country.
Despite the religious theme to this commentary and my position in the Eastern Orthodox Church, National Fellowship Day should not be driven by a religious theme. An interfaith coalition of religious leaders should be involved, but they must not play a dominate role. Theology's impact on the shaping of foreign and domestic public policy is all too obvious and the outcome has not always been positive.
Prior to my theological and ecclesiastical journey, law, politics, and public policy seasoned me as a professional. Hence, my call for National Fellowship Day is without any illusions regarding the logistics or the cynicism, perhaps even jaded reactions, that it will create. Yet I am hopeful.
There are many issues that are dividing the country. This year's presidential election is proving to be one of the most contentious and divisive in modern memory. An "us against them" attitude is pervasive in the social, cultural, and political fabric of the United States. Someone or some group needs to take this idea to the next step by organizing National Fellowship Day before the climate gets any worse.
National Fellowship Day should not be driven by the emotional hype that accompanies false-patriotism often in the guise of flag waving. Far too many are willing to wave color and fabric yet won't take time to vote. This special designation should call to our deeper sense of truth, justice, fairness, and mutual respect. In doing so we're not only reminded of Thomas Paine's noble principles, but also that we belong to the universal human family. Perfect humanity has no borders.
Although a Constitutional marriage amendment is one of several issues pitting Americans against one another, it is symbolic of far deeper problems. Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and Bill Frist may define marriage in a traditional manner, but hopefully even they will concede that everyone is part of the American family. It's time to come together for National Fellowship Day.