Holy Spirit Episcopal Church has developed a practice of hosting Community Concerns evenings to learn and discuss more deeply some of the issues facing us today. Our commitment for mid-September was to host a showing of the film “Bad Faith — Christian Nationalism’s Unholy War on Democracy.” When news of Charlie Kirk’s killing broke, several in our congregation raised concerns about if this was the right time to show the film. Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA were featured in it, alongside many, many others. A group of lay and clergy leaders connected to consider whether to host the film’s showing now or not. After much discussion and prayer among those who had previously seen the film, it was decided that the film could be a timely catalyst for raising awareness and consideration of a movement that has both united and divided people of faith in our country and far beyond.
More than 70 people from within and outside of our congregation gathered for the evening. Opening comments from Rev. Gretchen Strohmaier and Rev. Tom Lee provided historical and current context and invited respectful engagement with the film and one another. It was a lot to take in, in content and what it stirred in the group for those with lived experience and for others recognizing the many wakes of the movement. As we wondered together about what further study and action could come from our time together, there was encouragement to pursue healthy civil discourse, and several expressions of desire to reclaim what it means to be a follower of Christ.
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I found myself thankful again for the work we do in and through Missoula Interfaith Collaborative for connecting across difference as a spiritual practice, in intentionally trying to understand what has shaped who each of us is and how we express that through our faith, and where we might find some points of unity to act together in all that divides us. When we bring our faith and experiences to the table, along with a desire to listen and speak our truth with respect, we know that we won’t agree on everything, but we trust that we and our community will be changed by knowing one another better and working together where we can.
The Ven. Dorcie Kafka Dvarishkis is a hopeful Deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Montana, and the Faith Outreach Team Coordinator with Missoula Interfaith Collaborative. Connect with her at [email protected].