I have just spent the last week engaged in one of the largest legislative gatherings in the world. With close to 1,000 Bishops and deputies the Episcopal Church’s General Convention ranks only behind the National People’s Congress (China) with approximately 2,980 members and the UK Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords) with over 1,400 members combined.
I have been a part of this triennial gathering since my early 20s. I have served in a myriad of roles: youth, deputy, chaplain, committee chair, vice president, Bishop and dispatch of business. Each has given me a window into the world of a large gathering attempting to navigate through hundreds of pieces of legislation and how critical it is to understand the role of debate.
Early on I was very fortunate to have an excellent mentor who shared the following about debate. “Debate the issue, not the person. Once you turn your focus on the person you are now attacking rather than debating. Which is both disrespectful and suggests you do not have the competency to discuss the topic.”
After spending multiple days debating resolutions on everything from liturgical options to the war in Gaza, it was a sharp contrast to tune into the Presidential Debate. It was unfortunate to see very little actual differing perspectives on a given issue. Rather, most of the time was spent criticizing the other person.
It was Thomas Jefferson who wrote: “Difference of opinion leads to inquiry, and inquiry to truth.” Debating is not about winning or losing but rather the capacity for shared learning through which for all involved come to a greater truth. And knowing the truth, as Jesus of Nazareth shared, will set you free…to live into the fullness of who we are called to be.
BP