A Role for Religion?

Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson discusses the contributions he believes faith-based communities may make to the unfolding Occupy movement.  Robinson currently serves with the Diocese of New Hampshire and is widely known for being the first openly gay, non-celibate bishop of a major Christian denomination.



Please see the accompanying article at ThinkProgress.org

It might sound funny, but as I watch this video I can't help but think of the popular rally cry often heard at demonstrations: "The People United Can Never Be Defeated!"

This is a powerful statement, and one I believe to be very true.  The inverse of this chant, however, might well be summed up by the common phrase, "Divide and Conquer".

If we can agree that the first slogan, as an outcome, is infinitely more desirable than the second, then the real work quickly centers around the question:"So how do we unite the People?"

One of the hallmarks of the Occupy movement thus far has been its resistance to co-option by outside/ pre-existing organizations, whether political, social, or religious.  Robinson seems to respect this pattern.

I think if we can focus on those values we hold in common - justice, transparency, equality, democracy... among many others - we will have a much better chance at achieving unity across a broad spectrum.  Our other option is to continue the same old game that is a standard tool of the ruling class: call attention to our differences, draw lines, divide, divide, divide...  Catholics vs Born Again Christians vs Atheists, rural vs urban, elderly vs youth, educated vs uneducated.  And so on.  We've tried that model for a long time, and I believe it's time to make some changes. 

Labor unions have already begun taking steps to ally with Occupiers, potentially bringing large numbers of supporters onboard.  If existing organizations can respect and abide by the practices of Occupy - and if Occupy can maintain flexibility - I believe faith communities in America may prove to be as yet-untapped reservoirs of strength in the fight for the soul of our country.