We had our second Assembly on politics in Los Angeles, and it was great. Everyone there saw first hand that we can disagree with each other on many issues but there still exists a space for dialogue where people share what they really think. No one left angry or upset and everyone afterwards was happy, speaking even more to each other.

Having planned both assemblies with Jason, professor of Political Theory at Pepperdine University, I discovered what a prize we have been given in our education and in our community. I use the word prize because I am making the judgment we are already victors having been chosen by Christ to know and love him.

During the second assembly, Stefano asked us how we think about the different issues because this was something he needed help with. He explained he doesn't need someone to tell him what to think or what conclusion to make on an issue or candidate, but to share how one thinks and approaches the issues. I was really impressed by his openness and willingness to listen to others, understanding that he can learn from the other. What a witness!

At the end of the evening, Jason and I invited everyone to meet again after the election, to dialogue about our world and who we are and how we can live—whatever the outcome on Nov 8th. Paul came to me and said, but can we meet before to talk propositions and our California senate race? Again, a witness! What Mercy, to be showed again and again the fruitfulness of a dialogue which communicates itself through a question, through an openness to the other and the world.

After, we went for a pizza and the photo of Stefano, Nick, Gio, is for me, in the flesh, the fruit of a dialogue: friendship.

If you would like to listen to our assemblies, just email me at nancyalbin@icloud.com.

Nancy, California, USA