Politics, race, gender, economics, identity, religion – these are just a few of the topics that tend to divide our society today. And they are reasons why the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri is launching a new initiative called Beautiful Bridges. Our goal is to cross those divides, make connections, and build relationships within our diocese to be an example and an inspiration to others.
Nearly 30 members came to the Episcopal Church of St. Michael & St. George in Clayton on May 25 to begin this important work. Those members represented six of the 41 congregations in the Diocese of Missouri (An additional four congregations have also committed to the program but were unable to attend this training. Please see the list at the end of this article).
The Rev. Aaron Rogers, who serves as the priest at the Episcopal Church of St. Stephen's and the Vine in Ferguson and the Ministry Developer for Young Adults in the Diocese of Missouri, paired with David Pickersgill, Learning Outreach Program Leader at Barry Wehmiller, to lead an interactive presentation on the importance of empathetic listening.
The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.
- 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
These empathetic actions, Pickersgill said, help us recognize the emotion of others and keep us from judging them. He also said that empathy doesn't always mean agreement, but it allows us to make a connection and show we have a relationship.
The group practiced this theory by breaking up into small groups, sharing stories, and listening to each other. It was a challenging, but rewarding exercise for our members.
Next Steps and Timeline
"This is a big, bold experiment in love," said Rogers.
Within the next week, Rogers will be pairing congregations to continue this work. He will be creating partnerships between churches who may not have a lot in common (geographically, culturally, racially), but are willing to begin to build a relationship.
PHASE ONE - NOW:
Once those partnerships are announced, the pairs should organize at least one shared time together (you can choose to do more). You might consider this something like a coffee hour. It's a time to share stories about your church, its history, your ministries, your members... you can structure the time however you want. This step is an opportunity to share, to listen, and to build relationship.
PHASE TWO - THIS SUMMER:
After you and your partner congregation have begun getting to know each other, we will help you select a program to do a focused study together. These programs focus on civil discourse, racial reconciliation, and conversations across differences.
PHASE THREE - THIS FALL:
In the mid- to late-fall, we'll ask you and your partner to plan a ministry project together. We'll have advisors who will guide you as you plan a project that will help bind and support our communities during the polarities of this election season.
The Goal: Transformation
Rogers said the timeline is flexible to fit within the rhythm of our congregations. "The end point of this initiative is to move toward transformation with each other. We'll be creating opportunities to do ministry together across divides that tend to silo our churches.
"This is a way of being Church in the world that will inspire others," Rogers continued. "This is important stuff you're doing. There will be stresses, but there will be way more blessings."
Beautiful Bridges Participating Congregations
Congregations attending May 25 listening training:
- The Episcopal Church of the Advent, Crestwood
- The Episcopal Church of All Saints & Ascension, Northwoods
- The Episcopal Church of St. Michael & St. George, Clayton
- Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood
- St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Creve Coeur
- St. Vincent's-in-the-Vineyard, Ste, Genevieve
Congregations who still need to complete listening training:
- Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Webster Groves
- St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Ladue
- St. John's Episcopal Church, Tower Grove/St. Louis
- St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Ferguson
If your congregation is not on this list but would like to be a part of the Beautiful Bridges initiative, please contact the Rev. Aaron Rogers.
If you are interested in attending a more intensive three-day "Our Community Listens" program, please contact David Pickersgill with Barry Wehmiller.