Recently, there was a protest event where people gathered to object to the increasing trend toward authoritarianism in the United States.  I attended the event, and chose to wear my clerical collar. 

Usually, I don’t wear the collar. I see it as a sign that I am under a call. That is, I have been given a job to do for God and God’s people. As a retired clergy person, I don’t have such an assignment, but I wore it this day because I believed that people protesting against the increasingly fascist regime needed to have some sign of being on the right side, God’s side. They needed to see a sign that God is with them. 

On arrival at the protest, I found that people immediately welcomed me, warmly. As I entered the group, people began smiling and telling me about their experiences and their spiritual lives. 

As I moved along the crowd, people unfailingly turned to greet me, and were encouraged by a brief chat and show of interest in what they were doing.  

The effect on others also included some of those objecting to the demonstration. One young man walking along before the crowd insulting them looked at me and turned away. His attempts to stir up trouble were apparently thwarted by a reminder of God’s presence. 

The effect of the collar on me was also significant. Mentally, I went from just one among many who were voicing disapproval of our political leadership to someone concerned for everybody there. My commitment to God, made many years earlier, came to the fore again, and I felt a duty to encourage people and strengthen their spirits.

What is the upshot of this? It seems to me that when people are seeking justice, fairness, truth, equity, then God is welcome among them. Perhaps God is not rocognized in EVERY situation of walk of life, but this day, in this town, I found people to be very open to God.