I refuse not to discuss topics surrounding religion, politics and The Great Pumpkin

A great theologian by the name of Linus Van Pelt once said, "There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people... religion, politics, and The Great Pumpkin." I am usually in passionate agreement with Van Pelt, as I see the many parallels between our unique lives, but for some reason I find myself in strong disagreement with this statement.

I do have to note that it is only in the last few years that I have found the need to disagree with this statement. Prior to this change of understanding I would deflect any conversation surronding religion, politics and especially, The Great Pumpkin. I knew what I believed and thought and was fearful to share that with others. I saw the potential for disagreement and a skew in confidence would leave me walking away frustrated and doubtful.

I am unable to name one significant event that has transformed my thinking, but have come to some conclusion that it is the power of conversation I have experienced surrounding these topics. And it has been in the past few months that I continue to be transformed by the power that conversation holds not just in my life but the world around me.

Many of you are aware that Minnesota is taking two important issues to the people today:

Amendment 1: Recognition of marriage solely between one man and one woman

Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?

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Amendment 2: Photo Identification required for Voting

Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to require all voters to present valid photo identification to vote and to require the state to provide free identification to eligible voters, effective July 1, 2013?

It has been almost overwhelming to see the role that conversation holds in this election. As I have spent time phone banking, going door to door and even simple data entry, I have seen the power these conversations hold surrounding the topics of religion and politics.To be clear -- discussions around politics and religion have been significant in this election. To go further -- discussions around politics and religion will continue to hold tremidious weight until the polls close this evening, as well as we continue the conversation following November 6th.

I can only begin to articulate the stories I have heard, the questions that have been asked of me and the skepticism of why does this matter. Yet the beautiful power of conversation has lead me to tell my story, ask questions of others and even come with skepticism of my own.

I have not used this space today to articulate my story, but here are a few spaces that have been places of conversation for me. And please honor, respect and engage this conversation. It does not end today. It cannot end today.

Continue the Conversation:
An Open Letter to The Great Pumpkin
Herb Chilstrom, former Bishop in the Lutheran Church, and his wife, share their story through this video, The Meeting, of why they will be voting no today. Chilstrom also shared an open letter through the Star Tribune.
David Blankenhorn has been a leading national opponent of allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry. His view has changed and urges Minnesota to no limit the freedom to marry through this video.