The church and politics seem like the same animal to me most days. Both are institutions built around people and both can become paralyzed by just a few individuals. And yet both can also do some amazing things.
In the church, just like in politics there often is an old power broker who will use a wedge issue to their personal advantage, not caring about the overall health of the community, but rather they are more concerned about maintaining or expanding their position. It can be quite frustrating watching a community shoot itself in the foot, whether that be the church or a city.
For the past few weeks Joe Swan, Bud Polhill, Bill Armstrong, Stephen Orser, Paul Van Meerbergen, Denise Brown, and Sandy White have used the Fanshawe/Kingsmill development (a little background info) as that wedge issue in London. By splitting the council vote they were able to say that they want Fanshawe to relocate a campus downtown but not for the deal presented. The idea is to appeal to both sides of the fence, but to do nothing.
It seemed like a golden opportunity might slip between council’s fingers. But then something marvellous happened. The community, institutions and individuals, began a campaign to change the mind of just one councillor.
To give you an example of the kind of public pressure that came forward, check out Citizen Corps blog on the list of supporters. Hundreds of others not listed signed petitions, called or e-mailed their councillors.
And as a packed gallery sat and watched council go through the motions of debating the issue there was a sense of anticipation. As each councillor rose to speak to the issue they re-affirmed their previous position. That was until Denise Brown finally rose to speak to the motion last.
Her tone was firm, and she explained how had spent hours and hours in research. She had spoken to Fanshawe, sought outside advice and even looked to other cities like Kitchener/Waterloo for advice and knowledge. There was something brewing in the gallery, a palpable sense of optimism.
As Denise spoke, much like a preacher, she wound up her speech by simply stating that she would reverse her position and support the deal. The gallery erupted in applause. For well over a minute Mayor Joni Baechler could not restore order, for the sense of jubilation and optimism had boiled over. Mayor Baechler indulged the gallery with a sly smile.
As I sat there, looking out over dozens of organizations, institutions and everyday citizens, there was the sense that something special had happened this night, something wonderful. A sense of renewal and rebirth was gripping the city and new possibilities for a better tomorrow was at our doorsteps.
As a preacher myself, the emotion in the gallery, the trial of the past month, the work to encourage just one councillor to change their vote, all of it was worthwhile and for me it looked not like politics but it looked like church. It looked like church because as I sat there I was able to see the old church power broker being transformed, stepping out in faith and allowing new life to flourish in her community.
I have no idea if Denise Brown is a Christian or not. But tonight politics and the church mirrored each other and we journeyed from the cross to the empty tomb.