The One-on-One Work of Democracy
Democracy is hard work. It’s far more than voting, far more than watching political debates, and far more than sharing on social media what makes us excited or upset in our local, state, or national political scene. Democracy is rooted in relationships, building coalitions and trust, engaging in one-to-one conversations about hopes and values, and following through on the work that is important.
This Sunday, we’ll celebrate the hard, and successful, work of Trinity members who, over the past few months, have been all over our community collecting signatures and raising awareness for Citizens Not Politicians, the state anti-gerrymandering amendment that will now appear on Ohio ballots. Among faith communities participating in this Greater Cleveland Congregations initiative, Trinity Cathedral gathered the most signatures. Indeed, three Trinity members – Jan Keleman, Marilyn Valencia, and Lynnette Williams – were in the top 25 of signature collectors!
We’ll honor their work and the work of the newly-renamed Trinity Social Justice Team by gathering in the garden after the 10am service for a Sunday Schmooze for Democracy!
Let’s give thanks for those whose commitment and follow-through honored the dignity of every human being, and learn about the ways we can each carry on that important work.
The Very Rev. Bernard J. Owens