Civil Discourse in a Time of Hate

This column was published on Saturday, May 28, 2016 in the Independent Record newspaper in Helena, Montana on their Religion Page. Click here to view the column as it appears on their page.
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My name is Roger Lynn, and about seven months ago I became the pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church. I am so grateful for the warm welcome I have received here in Helena. People both inside and outside of my congregation have been kind and gracious. Sadly, such kindness is not always in evidence in our world. I find myself troubled by the ways in which we all too often talk to each other these days. Whether it occurs within the political arena, or the on-line comments section following news articles, or on Facebook and other social media sites, public discourse in our society frequently seems to be defined by insulting, threatening, demonizing, and hateful speech. People talk at each other and about each other rather than with each other. Genuine dialogue and understanding disappear whenever lines are drawn and sides are chosen. 

What does it mean to be the Church?

What does it mean to be the Church? Over the years countless volumes have been written about this question. I’m quite certain that there is no single “right” answer. Indeed, multiple answers are probably required to even begin to convey the fullness of Church. But beyond all the words that have been written on the subject, I want to tell you that I saw the answer to the question dramatically lived out last week right before my eyes. It was, to say the least, a very full and very emotional week in the life of Plymouth Congregational Church. Our biggest fundraising event of the year (Let’s Talk About It) took place on Thursday, and it was an “all hands on deck” occasion. So many people devoted so much time and energy to making it a success. And that was only the beginning. Two well-attended memorial services and receptions followed over the next two days. So many details required attention. And so many people stepped up and met the challenge. What does it mean to be the Church? Among other things it means people coming together to do what needs to be done to provide hospitality and to bring comfort to those in grief. Thank you for being the Church. Thank you for the privilege of being your pastor.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)