Wednesday, March 17, 2004
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Wednesday, March 17, 2004 |
| Attendance didn’t dampen spirit of Clergy Day 2004 By JOHN HATCHER Very encouraging. Those are my two words to describe Clergy Day at the General Assembly of Georgia. The annual observance was to highlight the contribution of members of the clergy in community and state life. At the very beginning we were all greeted by Secretary of State Cathy Cox who is from Decatur County, Ga., next to my birthplace of Miller County. She explained the various issues related to voting in the state of Georgia. She pointed out that questionable ballots have been made almost a thing of the past with the new technology in voting in Georgia. In addition to some instruction on how a bill becomes a law (given interestingly by a lobbyist for MARTA), we were hosted to lunch by the staff of Rep. Randal Mangham of DeKalb County. All of it was very encouraging that members of the General Assembly thought enough of us members of the clergy to spotlight our efforts and contributions, especially while they busily attend to matters of state. And believe me, they are busy. During their forty days of session, they must study and decide hundreds of bills. Plus, they must deal with all sorts of lobbyists. And of course, all of the representatives and senators must respond to the needs of all the electorate. Among the entire hullabaloo at the Capitol this past Monday, I even saw the Miss Watermelon Queen. I am sure she was there lobbying for the watermelon industry. From the last few watermelons I’ve bought, they need some help. Watermelons are just not that sweet anymore. But, Clergy Day was also very disappointing. Mind you, I am all for the separation of church and state. I believe there should be clear lines that keep the state out of church decision making and the church out of the running of the government. But, for the sake of good government, when the General Assembly sends a royal invitation to ministers to come to be honored and less than 25 show up, what’s wrong with this picture? Only 25 members of the clergy accepted the invitation to come, meet, and greet the movers and shakers of the state. Yet, when radical or reactionary forces call for a protest march at the Capitol, untold numbers show up — ministers and members. It seems we are more willing to protest as a face in the crowd than to personally press the flesh as individuals. Today I personally spoke to more than 15 State legislators. All of them were open to hearing from me on a wide range of issues. But where were the other 10,000-plus members of Georgia clergy? Clergy Day was also unbelievable. From my vantage point, it seems that only Rep. Randal Mangham of DeKalb sponsors the Clergy Day at the General Assembly. Why are not more state legislators encouraging such a day and personally inviting their own minister to visit? I believe Georgia could stand for a new level of relationship between its ministers and its legislators. After all, are we not all servants of the Living God? I believe we need new levels of dialogue initiated by both groups at times other than the mad 100 yard dash when the General Assembly is in session. One day after this year’s session is over, I hope that Fayette area legislators can sit down with members of the clergy and begin to know one another. We don’t have to stir up each other’s dander. Just to get to know one another so that when a hot bill hits the fan, we can talk to people we know. Far too often our communication has been in the turmoil of controversial legislation. So, at the end, if legislators will join me and fellow pastors, I believe Clergy Day 2004 can be termed very encouraging because it will have given birth to a new conversation and care between us servants of God. John Hatcher is pastor of Outreach International Center, 1091 South Jeff Davis Drive, Fayetteville, Georgia 30215. 770-719-0303
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