Episco-what.

Episcopalians. Lots of them. And me, a crazy evangelical, sitting amongst them all in the Diocese of Los Angeles. For three days we learned about reconciliation. And I came away changed (I tend to like change although I do not tend to open my arms wide for it).

We learned and were trained in a process of reconciliation. We practiced this process over a much debated topic of the conflict in the Middle East, most specifically between Israel and Palestine. There are 8 principles which we worked through:

1. Pluralism
2. Inclusion
3. Peacemaking
4. Social Justice
5. Forgiveness
6. Healing Collective Wounds
7. Sovereignty
8. Atonement

The interesting part of this conference is that the focus was on reconciliation between Abrahamic "cousins" (Jews, Muslims, and Christians). The idea being that because we all share the important value of submission to God, the God of Abraham, we should be able to find peace with one another.

The reality is that this is probably the most complex problem/relationship/scenario/struggle in the history of man. Yet, it was so encouraging to be in a group that simply was not giving up. I had several moments where I just said, "This is not worth it," but our group continued to work through the long process.

What I learned or was reminded:

• Reconciliation is a long, exhausting process that takes perseverance and extreme commitment through difficult times. No matter what the scenario, it takes work.
• Listen first. Listen second. Consider talking third. A lesson I have been trying to work hard on recently.
• Say you're sorry. Ask for forgiveness, Forgive freely. We don't take blame easily. I need to humble myself easily and say sorry more often.
• I may well be (I would argue I am) part of groups of people that have inflicted on harm on other groups of people. Whether it be the faith group I am part of, the gender, the ethnicity, the race, or another, I have intentionally or unintentionally contributed to someone else's harm (whether legitimate or not). For this, I must be willing to apologize and work toward reconciliation.
• My takeaway: True reconciliation must be rooted in love which is found purely in Jesus Christ.

Episcopalians taught me a lot this week. For this I am thankful.