Those who love order and tranquility don’t tend to be fans of democracy. After all, democracy, in its very essence, is loud and messy. Taking the time to listen to every voice in the room can be tedious, tiresome, boring . . . like reading a thesaurus too long.
This holds true for any human group, book groups to the United Nations.
Yet, in our dangerous times, democracy needs friends. Badly. Freethinkers, humanists, and other liberals must rise to this occasion. We are the torchbearers who trust the process of democracy, fully aware of its inherent challenges and costs. The Fifth Principle of Unitarian Universalism puts it this way:
“The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large…”
It is imperative that we practice this principle. Democracy isn’t just a system; it’s an ideal that each of us either has faith in or doesn’t.
Viewing the democratic process as a spiritual journey not only elevates its significance for each of us but also for the communities we create together. Practice the process. Practice.
Our mission is to trust in the democratic process, showing that it is the right way; it is the way to the liberation we strive for. A foundational tenet of democracy is inclusivity of all voices. Both liberal religion and secular thought have, too many times, fallen short in this respect. We must amplify more voices, all voices. Because democracy thrives when diverse perspectives collide, like the rough edges of stones until they become smooth.
True liberation is born when we prioritize getting the process right, ensuring every voice is heard.
Let’s practice democracy. Let’s study it. Practice it. Make it the foundation of all we do.
