Initiating Forgiveness

Jim has made a significant proposal in his blog at (http://www.crossleft.org/node/6743#comment-form) regarding forgiveness that I believe should be explored further. In response, Angelo pointed out some steps that have been taken by a few groups to seek collective forgiveness for past wrongs. I actually got to attend such an event in Nashville, billed as "The Call", where a ritualistic attempt was made to initiate forgiveness and reconciliation through public apology. Conservative Senator Sam Brownback was joined onstage by significant members of various minorities in America. He formally asked each for their forgiveness for our national sins against them.

The date was 07/07/07, this particular Saturday was chosen because of the numerical alignment of the days. Personally, I don't put much stock in numbers, though there are some provocative thoughts on the subject. There were several dynamics in play that intrigued me about the event and drew me to it in spite of the fact that it was being put on by a coalition of ministers who are strong Bush endorsers. First, these men and women are generally recognized as prophets among charismatic/fundamentalists and I have history and friends who connect there. Secondly, I wanted to see and participate in the forgiveness part of the event. Thirdly, I wanted to experience the charismatic worship with 70,000 others as the "Call" was an invitation to come together and pray and seek God for the nation. I strongly agree with the idea of focused intercession for the nation even if I disagree with my fellow prayer partners about politics.

We were met by a powerful wave of intense worship as we entered the Tennessee Titan's stadium. Incredible worship was followed by the forgiveness ceremony. Senator Brownback would face the ones chosen to represent their minority and speak directly to them, clearly identifying the sins and asking forgiveness. The minority representative would then reply with forgiveness...a very touching, tearful occasion where God amplified the flow of redemption into the moment. I was touched, but felt some reserve about the effectiveness of the process.

Can we be forgiven and reconciled for past sins that we had no personal control over? What of the ongoing national sins against these people...who will apologize for this? My heart was torn for the Latino representative who wept as he articulated his struggle with bitterness over the inequities and prejudice his people experience. He knew full well Senator Brownback was not going to put his name on compassionate immigration legislation in Washington, yet he granted forgiveness for past sins. Isn't that like God...granting forgiveness to the undeserving for sins He knows will be repeated?

Does an Indian tribal leader have the authority to forgive us and our forefathers all the way back to the Pilgrims for the suffering they have endured? Can an African American pastor offer absolution for slavery when the ongoing struggle to rise above its effects is not complete? These questions aside, I felt it was a creative stab at initiating a long over due redemptive process of recognizing sin, repenting of it and seeking restoration. The concept of this process needs to be proclaimed globally and Christians of every stripe should lead the way.

I felt a quenching of the Spirit after this part of the day concluded when one of the event leaders gave a rallying call for Christians to keep up their support for the President and discouraged joining those who make jokes about him or deride his performance. He didn't understand that joking is a great way to deflect some of the painful burden associated with failure. The minister, Dutch Sheets, seemed to sense the faithful sheep were beginning to shift away from their status quo endorsement of Bush and the GOP. Sure enough, many voted blue for the first time in 2008. For me, the euphoric peace I had experienced prior to his plea was gone. It was a really hot July day and I was happy to leave early.

Should Progressive Christians and fundamentalists seek to be reconciled to a place of mutual respect and function? What are the common threads that weave us all together? What is the way forward?