America’s religious traditions teach us that connection doesn’t require full agreement on every single issue. We need more spaces for those kinds of conversations to learn how to live side by side, even with those who vote or worship differently than we do. Today @nytimes.com

LDS President Russell M. Nelson’s life was marked by healing and connection. A surgeon, prophet, and leader—he built bridges across differences and called us to higher ground. Each of us despite our differences of faith and persuasion would do well to heed his call to be peacemakers. Peace be.

Absolutely heart-rending stories out of Minneapolis today. Annunciation Catholic now joins sacred, safe spaces like Covenant elementary in Nashville, Chabad Poway synagogue in CA, and other American institutions of learning and worship…

I suppose there is no more counterintuitive spiritual idea than the possibility that God might actually use and find necessary what we fear, avoid, deny, and deem unworthy. This is what I mean by the “integration of the negative.” —Richard Rohr

All life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King

I’m convinced that if we want democracy as we understand it to survive… we must remain committed to #pluralism.

- President Barack Obama at the 3rd Obama Foundation Democracy Forum

200 years ago today, America’s first Reform Jewish congregation was established in Charleston, SC.

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim is the second oldest synagogue building in the US and the oldest in continual use. #interfaithamerica

Perhaps because our culture and politics have gone so off course, with values so contrary to those of Jesus, more and more people intuitively recognize that His vision … a new world of compassion, justice, integrity and peace- is the Good News they've been searching and waiting for.

- Tony Campolo

President Lincoln would be assassinated 5 days later.

The hard, impossible, united work of government of the people, for the people, by the people continues today.

We have our work cut out for us. But we stand on the shoulder of ordinary women and men, giants who have forged a more perfect Union.

"That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

The war would rage for 474 more days until General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox.

"We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live."

Because of the 50,000 casualties, Lincoln was looking to build bridges and refocus the nation in freedom.

"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work."

In 271 words, Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address turns one of the nation's gravest tragedies into a rededication for freedom and purpose.

"...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

161 years ago in a field in Pennsylvania, America's greatest President delivered one of the nation's most important speeches. 🧵

Wrigley Field is Scarlet & Gray @ohiostatefb.bsky.social

“Life is a hard battle anyway. If we laugh and sing a little as we fight the good fight of freedom, it makes it all go easier. I will not allow my life's light to be determined by the darkness around me.” 

- Sojourner Truth