It was my idea that got us out there. I don’t know why I was the only one to suggest having an event in response to the events in 
Orlando. For months we had been planning for just such a moment–thinking of how religious leaders could respond to a crisis. Here was a crisis–and we almost didn’t recognize it! At any rate, my suggestion, the group’s acceptance, some rapid planning, lots of emails, one trip to City Hall and there we were, candles in hand, ready to make a statement.
It’s always exciting when people do things because you suggest it. It’s also scary–what this whole thing is lame? The clergy group quickly sent me off to talk to the press–it was my idea, after all–and now there’s more pressure! And the people were coming–people I knew, people I didn’t know. A woman with a rainbow pin parked illegally to get a quick selfie of the gathering before rushing off to work. All of them were here because I had started something.
A few nervous moments as we gathered the people we needed for our program, and we began. The Bahai’s offered a good prayer for the nation. Then came the reading of the names of the 50 victims in Orlando. We followed that with some words by our Muslim representative. He spoke for awhile, quoting his scripture about justice and the unjust shooting. His words, as I said to the group, were totally unfamiliar and from a completely foreign source, and yet I agreed with them all. Candles, silence, a space for prayers, a song and we were done.
I dismissed the crowd, but no one moved. They weren’t ready to go. Something would be lost as soon as we broke up. I talk about God present out in the world, in other people and places,about how we can’t enclose God in a doctrinal box, and there in the plaza in Escondido, we experienced just that. Political enemies, religious leaders, strangers and families–we all stood together, and God was with us. We prayed together. Not like so many of the interfaith prayer services where we watch each faith community do something on its own–here we spoke to God with many voices, but those voices were joined as one.
Each of our traditions testify to truth. Our traditions contradict and disagree, and everyone believes theirs is the best–we Episcopalians are no exception. But we testify to truth together as well, the truth of a Spirit whose presence transcends differences of theology. The news reporters kept asking why we were doing this, and if you watch the video, you will hear my answer about offering a different perspective from the blame and division that surrounds us, and about how religion is a strength in our society. But I forgot to tell the reporter one more thing. We were there to see God in this tragedy. And there at the Maple Street Plaza, that’s exactly what we did.
One Response
This was a really good event. I definitely agree that it felt like people weren’t ready for it to be over when it was. There was a definite feeling of unity, of compassionate strength, of hope. I’m so glad we did this.