Dear Friends,
You know Rotary’s unwritten rule, No religion, no politics. What do you think of it?
Though it’s phrased in the negative, we all hear the positive: Rotary is a safe place to be together. By not bringing up divisive topics we avoid the tension and discomfort that dissolve the cohesiveness we enjoy. We know all too well how fractured our society is; if keeping some of our convictions and opinions to ourselves helps, especially during an election year, then the negative is positive.
I believe that one way Rotarians can make a difference in the world is by choosing to listen. This is not easy! My default—and it’s my fault—is to speak first, listen second. But when I manage to reverse that order, the conversation immediately feels different. Quieter. More peaceful. More interesting.
Steve Jacobsen spoke at our October 6 meeting about the interfaith conversations he, as a Presbyterian minister, initiated with neighboring Jewish and Muslim congregations. Hearing how friendly and open people were toward each other, how joyful they were, many of us Rotarians, I’m sure, would have loved to be there, to participate. To listen.
But then our own meetings provide a time to do just that.
Warm regards,
Peter
