It is often said that one should not speak of either religion or politics when we gather as families. There is something deeply important about the ways in which we speak in these two subject areas. Passion runs high, convictions often deep, there seems to be a great tendency to point fingers, to accuse, to judge, to dismiss. Very tricky and dangerous business in families.

In just a few hours I will leave to attend  Annual Conference….that gathering of Minnesota’s United Methodist clergy and laity for the yearly work of the church. For many there is the anticipation of a family reunion…seeing old friends, having time to sit down and catch up, showing pictures of children and grandchildren, sharing the ups and downs of the last year of life,ministry, church work. For others, I am sure, there is also the dread we can experience at the thought of a family reunion…..seeing those with whom we disagree, the energy it takes avoiding difficult subjects,the tension of competition, loss and grief of both lives and members, change of all kinds, and of course, simply taking the time away from our everyday work. For still others, it is a combination  that falls someplace on the continuum of all these thoughts and feelings.

Over the years, I have been struck with the hope and humility that must be held as we come to these several days at the end of May. Each person brings with them the experience of their faith community in the last year…its gains and losses, its triumphs and tragedies, its great joy and inexplicable sorrow. Each year we name and honor those clergy and clergy spouses who have died this past year. We sit in silence as we name those churches whose doors have closed forever. We celebrate the ministry of those retiring and participate in the ordination of those newly called to ministry. The days provide a window of the circle of life.

We also walk into the fullness of the two forbidden topics…religion and politics. We gather in a large ballroom, conservatives, liberals,moderates, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and we try to give voice to the ways in which the Holy is moving in our lives, our churches, and our view of the world. It can get heated, it can be filled with passionate discourse and oratory, it sometimes teeters between respect and something just shy of disrespect. I have seen tears, heard great laughter, listened to many things that make me want to shout ‘Amen!’ and still others to which I would love to scream my disagreement.

The family is gathering…..we will once again try out this experiment in what it means to be church, to be the kin-dom of God, the body of Christ. On certain occasions my Mother often said to me "It will not be easy, but it will be worth it." I am sure that once again, her wisdom will become truth.