Yes, this post will be about church, but it's not what you think. Inspired by eugene's post about what's next in the movement for progressive values, I wanted to share about the work I am doing to make the United Methodist Church a more inclusive and progressive place.
Before all the non-religious folks bolt, let me say that this isn't another post about what it means to be a "Faithful Democrat"--this is about being fully involved in an organization, running for leadership, and using the power of integrity, trust, and respectful listening to influence people's beliefs toward a progressive point of view.
The UMC is a democracy: local churches approve their own budgets, vote for lay (non-clergy) leaders, and send delegates to the worldwide (General) conference every four years. This is where the church's social and administrative policies are set.
Since the General Conference's decision in 2004 to uphold discriminatory policies toward GLBT members and clergy, many Methodists who are in favor of full inclusion for gays and lesbians have been looking toward the next General Conference, the 2008 edition in Fort Worth next spring. The hope is that enough minds might have changed to tip the balance on the issue of whether people can be denied membership in the church just for being gay. But, as we all know from the frustration of Democratic Party meetings, it ain't easy to get a seat at the table.
So, it was time to Crash the Pews. Thanks to a supporting pastor, I was one of two lay people selected to be our representatives to our local conference in N. Illinois. Both of us are 30 or under, and at the conference last weekend, we were in a tiny minority. 80% of the 600 attendees were over the age of 50. Many folks come from rural and suburban areas, which frightened me at first. In national politics, these aren't usually my people.
But a funny thing happened once I got to the conference. I had a chance, over four days, to eat, worship, and talk with loads of people from all over the state. I did a bit of politicking, but mostly, I listened, and I shared my experience -- how a kid from Wichita, KS, who had only known one out gay person in his life, moved to Chicago, got married, and found true friendship, community, and Christian fellowship with GLBT folks.
I don't know that I convinced many people, but by listening and never arguing, I actually had an issue-based conversation with folks who don't have the same urban experiences I have, and who might not have been able to conceptualize what it means to be friends or family to gay people.
When it came time for elections, I was elected to the delegation that will represent the region at General Conference next year. The other person from my church, who is 23 and out, got elected to another position in the delegation. Amazing.
I am very excited about going back to Texas (I went to undergrad at Baylor) and I can already taste the Shiner Bock and Dickey's barbecue! My new goal is to caucus through the computerweb tubes with all of the delegates to UMC General Conference who are under 40, so we can listen to each other and make sure that we have a voice in what the future of the church will look like.
In fact, looks like there is a Facebook group already started: General Conference 2008 Delegates
Some of you may have heard of Nothing But Nets or UMCOR. The United Methodist Church is doing amazing relief and mission work throughout the world, changing people's lives and tapping the energy/Spirit that comes when good people get together and try and make the world a better place. That's the church I want to grow, and that's the kind of country I want, too.
Whether it's a church, a political party, your kid's school, or your company, take the plunge, crash the gate, and have the conversation. Sometimes, it works.