Okay, I will concede that I am a sucker for stories such as this one. I believe in the power of religion to bring people together and to appeal to a higher good for all because God is at work in our midst. We know that religion can be divisive and tribal, but the stories of reconciliation and hope tend to get pushed into the background.
After the recent Scottish referendum a service of healing held at St. Giles Church in Edinburgh. The lead up to the referendum was a time of heightened emotions and hard feelings at times, because of what was at stake. The service brought together political leaders from both the yes and no sides, and it was attended by 1,000 people.
In his sermon, Rt Rev John Chalmers spoke about the referendum being a "momentous time" which resulted in some being elated and relieved, and others being desperately disappointed. He invited the worshippers to act with "magnanimity and graciousness to restore equilibrium" and come together for a common good - the future of Scotland.
Of course there were people who sniffed at the value of such a service. Others came specifically because of the opportunity for reconciliation.
Does this sound like a good idea to you? Should we be creating more occasions to bring together in hope?
Let's see....with all the news of Ebola, terrorism and the daily bombardment of unspeakable crimes being committed, this type of thing seems to be positive and even uplifting. We need more of that.
ReplyDeleteServices of reconciliation strike me as being a wonderful idea, such as when some issue has divided a community. How about some liturgy for a family who wants to, or has, reconciled?
ReplyDeleteWe do need more of this Roger. And Kathy, I agree about resources for services of reconciliation, whether it is within families or congregation, or communities.
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