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Dear People Whom God Loves,

Is it not true that in religion and politics we fight with each other instead of having a fruitful discussion?  A civil debate would be better than the antagonism, but is not deep enough.  In a debate we understandably want to win.  This means that we not only express our point of view, but that we will listen to your point, if only to find a way to refute it, if we listen at all.

I think that there almost always is some truth in every point of view.  If we are really interested in truth, we will listen to other views to see what truth is there.  If two people do this, each will come closer to the truth.

One thing which misleads us is a conviction that we have the whole truth and we see it clearly.  I believe that only God has the fullness of truth, and only God sees it clearly.  Truth is what it is, but we humans are limited and we cannot grasp it in its fullness.  If I think that I have the truth, I will see no need to listen to anyone.

Here at St. Stans we will be attempting to learn by listening.  We will be having social conversations about various topics of current interest.  We ask that those who take part be willing to listen to various points of view, and if you choose, give your point of view.  This will not be an occasion to try to convince others of our view point.  The purpose is to learn from each other.  It is my belief that if we do this, we will all be enriched.

Our social justice committee will be hosting and facilitating these
listening sessions.  The first conversation will be on the topic of civil marriage.  The times are Saturday, May 12th (after 4pm Mass), Sunday, May 20th (after 8am Mass), Sunday, May 20th (after 10am Mass).

Smile, God Loves You,
Father Clay


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