Two from Rev. Steven Charleston: "Are there some people you just cannot talk to?..." and "The threshold on which you stand is the mystery of an infinite love..."

 

"Are there some people you just cannot talk to? Especially about certain political issues? Many of us feel that way. We live in a fractured society where parts of our national family feel estranged from other parts. Communication seems impossible. Into this reality, I offer a simple question: what can we do to change this situation? How do we reverse course to reach common ground? One place to begin might be a charter of civility: an articulation of the basic principles on which we can all agree. Can you name a principle that you feel we can all uphold? To get us started, I would say one of mine would be: all human beings deserve to be treated with kindness."
---The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, Native American/Indigenous Ministries of the Episcopal Church

And...

"The mystery will not be solved, the power of the mystery will not be denied, for the transcendent presence of the holy surrounds us, will always surround us, and the greatness of the Spirit will endure forever. Be not afraid or anxious. The threshold on which you stand is the mystery of an infinite love, and an intimate love, a love that beckons you into its peace, that welcomes you with a limitless compassion. Be not afraid or anxious. Close your eyes. Open your heart. And you will know what I mean."---The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston