I am excited to be writing my very first blog for Pace e Bene. My current official vocation is as a student the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, studying to become a Lutheran pastor; my internship with Pace e Bene is part of my seminary education. The other night I was in one of my classes, which is called “Pastor as Community Organizer”. In that class, we are learning about how to move beyond boundaries of political orientation, cultural/racial differences, and economic status to address the needs that the whole community is concerned about. With community organizing, congregations are able to work together as people of faith to transform their communities despite the differences that often otherwise tear them apart. Liberals and conservatives, rich and poor, black, white, Latino, and Asian are able to unite in common purpose and recognize each other’s common humanity.

I think this is an incredible testament to what we profess to believe as people seeking to live non-violently: that each person has a peace of the truth, and that rather than demonize the “other”, we must realize the humanity and common good in each other. By working together for the good of our world, we can move past those things that make us enemies to truly see each other for who we are: beautiful and unique creations of God.