Now that the political conventions are over and the campaigns for elected office are fully
underway, it is a time to celebrate and appreciate how we live in a democracy. Unfortunately
though, despite their enthusiasm, in November half of the people running for office will find
themselves to have lost their bids for election. This can cause discouragement and anger. It is
only natural that when people lose votes, personally or on issues, they take it personally. If I
sincerely put myself or my idea forward, and I find myself or it rejected, it is natural that I may
feel diminished as a person.

However democracy isn’t just about voting. On a smaller scale, like in a church with 60 or 70
members, the democratic method means we can take our time and listen to one another. It
means we give ourselves the space to determine the best way forward where most people are
willing to go along with a decision and are satisfied with the conclusion. By taking the time to
discuss the pros and cons of a proposal, making sure everyone feels heard and understood, we are ideally less likely to feel diminished if a favored idea isn’t acted upon as originally
envisioned. Especially for a relatively small body of people, we have the opportunity to let the
democratic process function to its fullest potential. As is well known, I personally always favor
taking the time to build consensus over taking votes.

If time is critical or of the essence, voting can allow us to come to a quick decision if needed.  But if the decision isn’t critical to the immediate well being of the church, I would encourage we consider that there is nothing wrong with taking our time to talk, and even more importantly, listen, to one other.

The majestic cathedrals of Europe literally took generations and centuries to build with lots of
ideas changing in the process. Some were started in one style of an age, and then completed in
a totally different style of another age. Rather than diminish them, this now adds to their charm,
uniqueness, or importance. And as the years go on, ever newer styles are utilized and
incorporated into the ancient structures.

When it comes to art and decoration, things quickly get personal. How things are visualized or
arranged are often expressions of the self, and if an idea is modified or rejected, I may feel
diminished or rejected. This is why decorating is always the most fraught part of any building or
renovating project.  I would advise against making decisions in decorating to “check it off a list” or “just get it done.” Instead I would encourage that we luxuriate in our democratic process. That we take the time and space it takes, enjoying the process of getting to know one another, and delight in the give and take of a beloved community. As we always assume good intentions, the end result is more likely to be a positive experience when we’ve “completed” a task that everyone feels they
contributed to and felt valued in. Of course, then there’s the next thing that has to be done or
modified, because as long as we are a vibrant community, like an old cathedral, nothing is really
ever completed.