I Can't Tell You About It
The meeting was important, but I can't tell you about it.
But there I was, all day, in a meeting of key leaders of two religions, who were able to talk openly and quite frankly with one another about a range of important issues. The day included personal sharing about the things that keep these leaders up at night, and their must-do priorities; recognition of significant differences in views on key matters; discussion of common dynamics facing religious institutions in this time; and table fellowship. It was one of many "off-the-record" meetings that are a regular feature of the work of interfaith relations.
Meetings such as this are essential, in interfaith and ecumenical work, to foster the development of trust and personal connections among those involved. Stepping out of the public eye, beyond the range of activities that can be listed as accomplishments, or shaped into those moving paragraphs of fund-raising campaigns, is a necessity. The silence that surrounds such meetings is part of what is needed, frequently, in order to grow relationships.
It seems we live in a society, and in religious communities, captive to producing results. Having measurable outcomes to show from our activities is a primary dirving factor in the choices we make. But sowing seeds is also important. Allowing seeds, and relationships, to develop quietly, in the dark ground, is a must. Without these times of sowing and gestation, we certainly will not be able to develop new possibilities, new connections, and new fruit.
Jay
The meeting was important, but I can't tell you about it.
But there I was, all day, in a meeting of key leaders of two religions, who were able to talk openly and quite frankly with one another about a range of important issues. The day included personal sharing about the things that keep these leaders up at night, and their must-do priorities; recognition of significant differences in views on key matters; discussion of common dynamics facing religious institutions in this time; and table fellowship. It was one of many "off-the-record" meetings that are a regular feature of the work of interfaith relations.
Meetings such as this are essential, in interfaith and ecumenical work, to foster the development of trust and personal connections among those involved. Stepping out of the public eye, beyond the range of activities that can be listed as accomplishments, or shaped into those moving paragraphs of fund-raising campaigns, is a necessity. The silence that surrounds such meetings is part of what is needed, frequently, in order to grow relationships.
It seems we live in a society, and in religious communities, captive to producing results. Having measurable outcomes to show from our activities is a primary dirving factor in the choices we make. But sowing seeds is also important. Allowing seeds, and relationships, to develop quietly, in the dark ground, is a must. Without these times of sowing and gestation, we certainly will not be able to develop new possibilities, new connections, and new fruit.
Jay
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