The Village Square

Sunday at the Square: What a little walking can do

June 14th, 2009

This morning I made my first visit to the places of worship of our summer panel for “A Rabbi, A Priest, A Pastor and An Imam.”

Today I visited “The Pastor,” The Reverend Dr. Julius McAllister and his Bethel AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church.

To the swaying sounds of “Jesus is the light, that ever shines, in my soul” sung out strong by what seemed like way too few people for the sweet booming music they made, Reverend McAllister’s service was a celebration in every sense of the word. His sermon, more poetry than speech, complete with musical rests and crescendos, staccato and fortissimo, wisdom and humor, holding on and releasing.

I was conscious of the roots of their faith, the worship bequeathed from a mother and father to their children, and to their children, and to theirs. I was also conscious of the places in their tradition of worship that briefly kissed my Episcopal tradition. Obviously, we are neighbors. There’s beauty in these roots, both in where they touch and where they diverge. Something that grows so long from roots is strong.

During the portion of the service where Episcopalians say “the Peace” by reaching to the neighbors around us – sometimes with a handshake, a hug or a smile, Rev. McAllister’s congregation walked… they walked halfway down the long row of pews, they walked down the other aisle, they walked up to the alter, they walked just about everywhere. Men and women bouncing around; touching, laughing and hugging… all while seeming to save especially sincere words of welcome for me.

I couldn’t just sit in place – on the opposite side of town – and find the new neighbors I met on this Sunday. I wonder what would change – if like the congregation at Bethel AME – we all walked just a bit.

Entry Filed under: Politics as UNusual?, Religion and politics, Sunday at the Square