WOW! I need to visit our church webpage more often! I did so this morning, only to find that the Pastor’s Page was empty---kind of like his head most of the time. And you are thinking, “That’s not a nice thing to say about your pastor.” Well, I can say it since I’m the pastor.

It’s not like the person in charge of our webpage hasn’t reminded/encouraged me that a new Pastor’s Page was needed. It’s, like, I just haven’t gotten around to it.

But now that I have, here’s what’s on my mind. Why is there so little civility and respect in the exchange of social, economic, and political views in our country these days? Let’s admit it: Quakers can be without civility and respect for each other. Our history books have painful records of such. But at Friends Memorial we just completed a summer Sunday morning Sunday school class series called Current Issues and the Christian Faith. We took on several issues that normally would be out-of-bounds for discussion in church circles because they are either too partisan or problematic. But we forged ahead, diving into such issues as immigration, environment, economy, health care, disparity of wealth, AIDS, Islamic religion, plus a few more, and how Christians should respond to such issues.

What was neat about it was the open exchange of points of view, often differing, but always in Christian love and grace. Which brings up the question: why can’t there be open exchange of difficult issues across our country these days with the same kind of respect and civility? Even simple honesty is being sacrificed before the god of political expediency.   

What can we as Christians, trying to live out our Quaker testimonies, DO about it? Just that: as Christians try to DO on a daily basis the simple acts of love and respect of everyone---even those with whom we may strongly disagree---and let the results take care of themselves.