Keeping the Faith: "Gating As a Way of Life" (FM)

When it comes to why people attend our congregation and stay, there are several responses many have shared with me.  Among the reasons are:  they feel comfortable at UUCA; they feel safe here. Some say they want a place where like-minded people gather.  I’ve also heard some say they were searching for a place where they could relax and let go; at UUCA they are free to be who they are regardless of their background.

     It’s likely that you’ve heard similar reasons as to why some come to and stay at UUCA.  You might be able to see yourself in one of these responses, maybe in all of them.  Where I’m going with this is to wonder if attitudes and reasons such as these actually create and reinforce a church community culture that might be just the opposite of what we want; one that is different from the story we think about and tell each other and newcomers.
     What set me to thinking about this is an OP-ED piece written weeks after the Trayvon Martin shooting in Sanford, FL.  The article is entitled “The Gated Community Mentality” by Rich Benjamin.  It’s a powerful examination about the ways communities can attract people who in turn attract other people who are just like them - likeness of values, skin color, attitudes, politics (everything from where you go to church or send your children to school, to how high your grass can grow or the color of your home), and who is welcome into your community and who is not, whether as a guest, a homeowner, or simply someone out walking. 

     There are all kinds of gated communities, real and symbolic ones.  Think about the places you go that restrict; some for legitimate, legal reasons and possibly others where the restrictions are questionable, or even hidden.  Perhaps the gates are so subtle you may not realize they exist. And what about your own thoughts and values - are they restricted, and if so in what way?  Do you control a gate that lets people and ideas in or out of your life?

     Now back to UUCA.  Are we a gated faith community?  I can already hear and feel some push-back -- of course we aren’t, we’re not gated!  We’re a church open to everyone, we allow free access to any person.  Anyone can come to UUCA without hesitation or fear of who they are, what they look like, or what it is they believe.  The gate is always open!  Some might say there is no gate.  Really?  Anyone is welcome?  No gate?  Or are there people and families for whom the gate is closed, while for others the gate is open?

     Rich Benjamin convincingly writes that America is rapidly developing “the gated community mentality.”  He thinks it’s almost impossible to avoid, to escape: “Gated communities churn a vicious cycle by attracting like-minded residents who seek shelter from outsiders and whose physical seclusion then worsens paranoid groupthink against outsiders.”  Strong words. Yet isn’t this one of the results of the fear that seems to be gripping our cities and communities?  The need to create gates to our communities is a response rooted in fear. Often the fear is baseless.  It’s hyped by the news, movies and TV, by friends and family, by politicians who claim to have the answer (so vote for them!).  Unfortunately it is sometimes hyped by the very places and people for whom relief from fear has traditionally been a calling - religious communities.

     As a small community of faith, we can make a difference in addressing fear.  Let’s look for the gates to our church, to our way of religion.  Let’s think about who gets in and who doesn’t.  There are so many questions and so little time, unless we act together.  Together let’s answer the call to open the gate, greet others with hospitality, and become a community where we “inspire and empower bold and compassionate living.”
     Take care and see you soon,
                   Fred