“Telling the story of us” frequently introduces things that may be viewed differently, because we each see through our own lenses that have been formed out of our individual life experiences. Our differences are what give texture and dimension to us as we live side by side in our neighborhoods. Yet, it is difficult to value differences in others that we do not understand. Not seeing differences is equally as damaging as discriminating on the basis of differences.
We struggle with questions like: How should I respond when you say that my perceptions or my choices are wrong? What are the steps that we must take to turn our neighborhoods into communities?
One way to respond, a very first step, is to begin talking to one another, to begin hearing each other’s stories. Getting to know “the other” breaks down barriers to understanding.
Greg Movesian says, “Because of the polarization that is so prevalent in our country, we believe that this is the time to bring people together who disagree, no matter how deeply, to hear each other, to understand each other, to find a commonality in our shared humanity, even if we continue to disagree.”
It is precisely because there are deeply held feelings and strong differences in the way we perceive the world that it is important to bring controversial topics into the light of day. Then we can hear and seek to understand our sisters and brothers with open hearts. I am grateful that Saint John's Cathedral fosters dialogue in our community. There are far too few places that do this important community building work.
--Lelanda Lee
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