I recently came across a piece I wrote in 2003 about my vision for the USA in 2020. Enjoy!
-- Nathan Day Wilson
The future can be better than the present and each of us has a responsibility to make it so. This is a guiding principle for my life and the premise to my vision for the United States in 2020.
Security is the single word that best describes this vision. Security includes concerns about terrorism and national defense and it also includes concerns about the economy and education because security is both about how the United States relates internationally as it is about opportunities for and expectations of its citizens here at home. In fact, we will not have a secure world until we take care of our own citizens. Doing so requires visionary leadership that strives to include all people.
Terrorism and National Defense
My vision is influenced by biblical writers such as the prophet Micah. Micah 4:1-7 reads, "They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall there be war anymore." Then Micah says, "They shall all sit under their own vines and their own fig trees; and no one shall make them afraid."
Micah suggests that there will be no security for us until there is security for others. When more than half the world lives on less than two dollars a day, there is true no security for any of us. When poor people in the United States are denied tax cuts and even basic services while the rich are given thousands of dollars, there is no true security for any of us. When thousands are dying from AIDS without relief, there is no true security for any of us.
According to Micah, weapons of war become tools of production when everyone has their own vines and fig tree, which is their own share in the economy. Sharing in the economy, then, produces a sense of security.
In terms of national defense policy, recognizing this necessary interdependence means that the United States can have both strong and tough practices to keep Americans safe as well as procedures smart enough to build alliances to make the world safer. It is simply deceptive to suggest that we must choose between the two.
My vision for 2020 is one in which the United States incorporates, rather than rebuffs, the interdependence required for us to live securely.
Economy
Since I already named taxes, I'll start with them for my economy vision. I do not think taxes should be used to soak the rich. I do think the rich should pay their fair share. Often, especially with the changes enacted and proposed by the Bush Administration, the wealthiest of our nation do not pay their fair share.
The issue is not about raising or lowering taxes as much as it is about reforming the tax code and changing the system to better assist hard-working, middle class families. These are the families that make our nation run. They are the ones who provide labor and purchase the goods. They are the ones who raise children, participate in community events, and attend houses of worship. These are the families who need and deserve tax reform to educate their kids, afford quality child care and take care of aging or disabled relatives who need long term care.
Beyond the tax system, it must become an ethical imperative in this country to truly lift all working families out of poverty and completely eradicate child poverty. The Earned Income Tax Credit helped significantly. Expanding it and educating the public about the credit would boost its usefulness. Increasing the minimum wage as well as support for child care, housing and transportation programs would also benefit working families. And all of these initiatives must be accompanied by more direct and accessible responsible parenthood training programs and a demand for greater accountability from poverty stricken adults to help themselves.
Like my vision for national defense, the dominating question here is what type of society we want in 2020. Essentially, is it each one for him or herself? More specifically, is it one where capital incomes should be exempted from taxation while labor incomes are taxed excessively? Should we abolish a graduated income tax structure altogether? Should we ignore the poor and pretend their plight has no bearing on our own?
My vision for 2020 is one in which the United States rejects this false individual autonomy at all costs and instead exemplifies that even, perhaps especially, in our economy we express our connection to, appreciation of, and responsibility for each other.
Education
My education vision for 2020 begins with preschool and full-day kindergarten for every child. I have seen firsthand, and studies validate, the overwhelming benefits of preschool and full-day kindergarten for young children. In a local school on whose governing board I serve, our scaled literacy rate for full-day kindergartners is over 97%, whereas for half-day students the rate is 84% (which is still considerably higher than the average). Full-day programs allow for greater quantity, variety, and perhaps quality of instruction. Available preschool and full-day kindergarten is critically important and is the foundation to my vision.
My vision also includes an apprenticeship program for high school students who do not want or are unable to go to college but do want good jobs. It includes a loan program where money borrowed for college could be paid back either as a small percentage of income or through some form of national service. It includes making college tuition tax-deductible. Finally, my vision for education includes raising the pay of public school teachers and developing a continuing education program that further equips teachers with the skills, information and encouragement they need to perform one of the most important jobs in our society.
President Bush used to talk about leaving no child behind, a catchy phrase he permanently borrowed without giving credit to the Children's Defense Fund. (Soon, it became apparent that the theme more consistent with his actions was to leave no defense contractor behind, a phrase I'll borrow from a friend without giving him credit.)
My vision for 2020 is one in which the rhetoric of valuing education is matched with corresponding actions of investing more money, energy and effort into education and demanding more of all the participants.
Leadership and Participation
Obviously there are other areas of concern. Access to health care with reasonable fees, extending the life of Social Security, modernizing Medicare, and developing new technologies and sources of alternative energy are key ones. Each is a part of my vision for 2020, but to address them here would double the length of this essay.
Instead I will conclude this vision paper describing what I think is most needed in 2020: visionary leadership that strives to include all people.
I envision a leader who will not give away money the United States does not have. I envision a leader who will not just tell his friends what they want to hear, but instead will ask more of all Americans. I envision a leader who has the fortitude and advisors to tackle the big problems and take on entrenched interest groups. I envision a leader who believes and practices equal opportunity for all people.
I envision a leader who works to bring all people to the decision-making table. The image of a table is especially appropriate. It is the table where (at least some) families gather for a meal. It is the table of loved ones that sometimes marks a reunion or a holiday celebration. It is the table where we have conversations light and lively and sometimes difficult and uncomfortable.
At the table we are reminded of the ties that bind us regardless of race, religion, economic or social status. At the table we rededicate ourselves to who and what we are meant to be. At the table new political visions can be born.
If there are not enough chairs for everyone at the table, we get some more. If there is not enough room, we will make the table larger. Even the shape of this table will change as we discover who we are and who we are becoming.
A visionary leader brings diverse people to the table to share the history and lessons unique to each of us. These are lessons that will teach us that a better 2020 depends on all of us and on each of us. Each of us is like an individual trickle of water, which, when they come together, turn into streams and then merge and become rivers. And with enough energy and force these rivers can become mighty rivers, so mighty that they could have the power to shape or reshape the very landscape around them.
Today, in 2003, our public landscape could use some new shaping. Let all of us, a whole bunch of little trickles, form together into streams that become a mighty river to shape 2020 into a time when we all can enjoy true and lasting security at home and abroad.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
Youth Seeking God
By The Reverend Nathan Day Wilson
Exciting research is asking important questions about the religious and spiritual lives of youth: What do they believe? In what religious practices do they engage? Do they expect to remain loyal to the faith of their parents, or are they abandoning traditional religious institutions in search of new form of spirituality?
One research effort, the National Study of Youth and Religion, conducted a nationwide telephone survey of 3,300 teens and their parents, as well as in-depth face-to-face interviews with 267 of the survey respondents. The overarching finding is the most important: religion is a significant factor in the lives of many American teenagers.
Make no mistake: teenagers’ lives are complex, and that includes their religious lives. For instance, while most teens spoke positively about religion when asked, they hardly ever talk about it at all with each other. And while nearly all of them – some ninety-seven percent – believe in God, few are confident that God is active in today’s events.
Even with the complexity and confusion, though, this research clearly suggests that teenagers are far more influenced by the religious beliefs and practices of their parents and other adults than is commonly thought. We parents and other adults are all potential and indispensable models of the faith – like it or not.
Another clear point is that greater teenage religious involvement is significantly associated with more positive adolescent life outcomes. Religion has a positive and constructive influence in teens’ lives, despite the fact that teens claim not to know details about their religion. It shows people are formed by forces they might not even be aware of or understand.
While it is by no means infallible, non-religious teens are more likely to engage in risky behavior and experience negative life outcomes. Teenagers involved in religious activities have many positive social influences, which results in positive outcomes in their lives.
I plan to say more about the meaning and usefulness of this research in future newsletters. For today, though, the bottom line is that now is the perfect time to thank God for the children and youth here now and for the children and youth yet to come. Now is the perfect time to give thanks for the committed volunteer coordinators and sponsors we have and look at what we as a congregation can do to support their ministry. In short, now is a perfect time to work with children and youth.
I hope to see you soon at the place where youth are encouraged to seek God –
Nathan
Exciting research is asking important questions about the religious and spiritual lives of youth: What do they believe? In what religious practices do they engage? Do they expect to remain loyal to the faith of their parents, or are they abandoning traditional religious institutions in search of new form of spirituality?
One research effort, the National Study of Youth and Religion, conducted a nationwide telephone survey of 3,300 teens and their parents, as well as in-depth face-to-face interviews with 267 of the survey respondents. The overarching finding is the most important: religion is a significant factor in the lives of many American teenagers.
Make no mistake: teenagers’ lives are complex, and that includes their religious lives. For instance, while most teens spoke positively about religion when asked, they hardly ever talk about it at all with each other. And while nearly all of them – some ninety-seven percent – believe in God, few are confident that God is active in today’s events.
Even with the complexity and confusion, though, this research clearly suggests that teenagers are far more influenced by the religious beliefs and practices of their parents and other adults than is commonly thought. We parents and other adults are all potential and indispensable models of the faith – like it or not.
Another clear point is that greater teenage religious involvement is significantly associated with more positive adolescent life outcomes. Religion has a positive and constructive influence in teens’ lives, despite the fact that teens claim not to know details about their religion. It shows people are formed by forces they might not even be aware of or understand.
While it is by no means infallible, non-religious teens are more likely to engage in risky behavior and experience negative life outcomes. Teenagers involved in religious activities have many positive social influences, which results in positive outcomes in their lives.
I plan to say more about the meaning and usefulness of this research in future newsletters. For today, though, the bottom line is that now is the perfect time to thank God for the children and youth here now and for the children and youth yet to come. Now is the perfect time to give thanks for the committed volunteer coordinators and sponsors we have and look at what we as a congregation can do to support their ministry. In short, now is a perfect time to work with children and youth.
I hope to see you soon at the place where youth are encouraged to seek God –
Nathan
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
How to be a Mother
By The Reverend Nathan Day Wilson
I hope you will not let this week pass without thanking someone who has served as a mother-figure in your life. That person may be older or younger than you. That person may be of any gender.
I hope you will not let this week pass without acting as a mother-figure to someone else. For you, that may mean acting as a mother-figure to a sibling or a parent; an elder or a young person; a coworker, a friend or even a foe.
Who or what is a mother-figure? Thanks for asking. A mother-figure shows care and compassion. A mother-figure gives a listening ear and a helping hand. A mother-figure comforts us when we are disturbed and disturbs us when we are too comfortable. You know mother figures in your life. You can be a mother-figure in another’s life.
Mother-figures and mothering images have long been used as analogies for thinking about God. Think of Isaiah 66:13, for example, where Isaiah sings of God who longs to comfort us as a mother comforts her child. Think of the beautiful poem in Hosea 11 where God is a mother who calls, teaches, holds, heals and feeds her young. Think of Jesus in Luke 15, when he compares God’s seeking us to a woman seeking a lost coin.
I’m well aware that some have had negative experiences with their mothers or mother figures. As well, some who very much want to be biological mothers are not able. Those facts can make it difficult to think positively about mother figures or mothering images just as it can make days such as Mother’s Day more painful than celebratory. If that is you, please know that you are loved and your story is important.
Please also know that your history need not dictate your future. Even if your experience was not positive, you can still be a positive mother-figure to others.
This Sunday, May 14, we will recognize mothers and mother-figures during the 11:00 AM morning worship service. I hope you will be there.
Read from the inspirational proclamation that led to the founding of Mother’s Day:
Arise then...women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Let us solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace.
– Julia Ward Howe, Mother’s Day Proclamation, 1870
That’s right: the document that led to the creation of Mother’s Day is a moving call for global peace. That same document ends this way, “In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly promote the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.”
How can you be a mother-figure? You can be caring and compassionate. You can listen and help. You can comfort and inspire. You can work for peace.
You know mother figures in your life. Thank one this week. You can be a mother-figure in another’s life. Be one this week.
See you Sunday at the place we recognize those who make this world and us better –
Nathan
I hope you will not let this week pass without thanking someone who has served as a mother-figure in your life. That person may be older or younger than you. That person may be of any gender.
I hope you will not let this week pass without acting as a mother-figure to someone else. For you, that may mean acting as a mother-figure to a sibling or a parent; an elder or a young person; a coworker, a friend or even a foe.
Who or what is a mother-figure? Thanks for asking. A mother-figure shows care and compassion. A mother-figure gives a listening ear and a helping hand. A mother-figure comforts us when we are disturbed and disturbs us when we are too comfortable. You know mother figures in your life. You can be a mother-figure in another’s life.
Mother-figures and mothering images have long been used as analogies for thinking about God. Think of Isaiah 66:13, for example, where Isaiah sings of God who longs to comfort us as a mother comforts her child. Think of the beautiful poem in Hosea 11 where God is a mother who calls, teaches, holds, heals and feeds her young. Think of Jesus in Luke 15, when he compares God’s seeking us to a woman seeking a lost coin.
I’m well aware that some have had negative experiences with their mothers or mother figures. As well, some who very much want to be biological mothers are not able. Those facts can make it difficult to think positively about mother figures or mothering images just as it can make days such as Mother’s Day more painful than celebratory. If that is you, please know that you are loved and your story is important.
Please also know that your history need not dictate your future. Even if your experience was not positive, you can still be a positive mother-figure to others.
This Sunday, May 14, we will recognize mothers and mother-figures during the 11:00 AM morning worship service. I hope you will be there.
Read from the inspirational proclamation that led to the founding of Mother’s Day:
Arise then...women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Let us solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace.
– Julia Ward Howe, Mother’s Day Proclamation, 1870
That’s right: the document that led to the creation of Mother’s Day is a moving call for global peace. That same document ends this way, “In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly promote the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.”
How can you be a mother-figure? You can be caring and compassionate. You can listen and help. You can comfort and inspire. You can work for peace.
You know mother figures in your life. Thank one this week. You can be a mother-figure in another’s life. Be one this week.
See you Sunday at the place we recognize those who make this world and us better –
Nathan
Saturday, May 06, 2006
William Sloane Coffin
Most of my role models in the Christian faith are people I know well and have for a long time. My grandparents are examples, as are other family members, former ministers and teachers. Their impact on me was gradual, resulting from numerous conversations and experiences and encounters.
I have a few role models in the faith, however, whose impact on me resulted from their witness and only a few personal exposures. One of them was William Sloane Coffin.
Coffin was long-time university chaplain at Yale and then senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City for ten years. He was witty, personable, articulate. Coffin is half the inspiration for the “Rev. Sloan” character in Gary Trudeau’s Doonesbury comic – a result of Coffin’s ministry and witness when Trudeau was a Yale student.
By no means was Coffin perfect. Early in his life, he was a self-avowed womanizer, and even after entering ministry, his ability to value the leadership of women in the church was a growing edge. Coffin asked forgiveness for both sins. Detractors and those who immaturely attempt to group people as either good or bad, without recognizing the shades of both that exist in us all, like to point to these flaws to discredit Coffin.
Flaws and all, Coffin was a courageous, charismatic and consistent defender of justice and peace who preached an expansive, attractive, compassionate Christianity. His strong message of God’s love reflected the message and priorities of Jesus in the New Testament.
My first conversation with Bill Coffin occurred when I was a student at Lexington Seminary. One of my jobs during seminary was student assistant to the dean and one of my major responsibilities in that job was to coordinate the weekly convocation schedule, which included confirming details with all our speakers, most of whom were out of town.
It was the fall of 1995, not long before Janice and I were to go to Switzerland to study and work. I was rushing to confirm details with speakers for the whole next year in just a few days. One of those speakers was Coffin. I called the number on the contact sheet and the person on the other end answered with a simple “hello.” This surprised me for two reasons: first, the usual response is something such as, “This is William Coffin’s office;” second, the answerer sounded older than most assistants. I hesitantly asked to speak to Rev. Coffin’s assistant. The person said, “Well, she left a long time ago, but you are speaking to Rev. Coffin right now. Should I find someone else?” Then he laughed.
We covered the usual details and then, without pausing, Coffin said, “So tell me about you.” I told him we were on our way to The Ecumenical Institute. He said, “Good. That’s an important place. And since I won’t see you at Lexington, tell me now: once you graduate, what are going to do to make a difference in the world?”
My second conversation with Coffin was not until May of 2004 when I helped organize a national conference of religious leaders in Cleveland, Ohio. We wanted Coffin to speak to the group, but his health was such that his doctors (and wife) would not let him attend. So, in Coffin’s typical spirit of pushing the boundaries, he agreed to join us live by telephone, which we then broadcast over the speaker system for everyone to hear. In the conversation before we went on the air, I thanked Bill for joining us and asked how he was feeling. He said, “Clearly the trick is to die young as late as possible.”
Wednesday of Holy Week, April 12, Bill Coffin died from congestive heart failure.
His heart may have failed physically, but his heart did not fail to speak his faith. It did not fail to put his faith into action. It did not fail to tell the truth.
For that, we are blessed.
Nathan Day Wilson
I have a few role models in the faith, however, whose impact on me resulted from their witness and only a few personal exposures. One of them was William Sloane Coffin.
Coffin was long-time university chaplain at Yale and then senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City for ten years. He was witty, personable, articulate. Coffin is half the inspiration for the “Rev. Sloan” character in Gary Trudeau’s Doonesbury comic – a result of Coffin’s ministry and witness when Trudeau was a Yale student.
By no means was Coffin perfect. Early in his life, he was a self-avowed womanizer, and even after entering ministry, his ability to value the leadership of women in the church was a growing edge. Coffin asked forgiveness for both sins. Detractors and those who immaturely attempt to group people as either good or bad, without recognizing the shades of both that exist in us all, like to point to these flaws to discredit Coffin.
Flaws and all, Coffin was a courageous, charismatic and consistent defender of justice and peace who preached an expansive, attractive, compassionate Christianity. His strong message of God’s love reflected the message and priorities of Jesus in the New Testament.
My first conversation with Bill Coffin occurred when I was a student at Lexington Seminary. One of my jobs during seminary was student assistant to the dean and one of my major responsibilities in that job was to coordinate the weekly convocation schedule, which included confirming details with all our speakers, most of whom were out of town.
It was the fall of 1995, not long before Janice and I were to go to Switzerland to study and work. I was rushing to confirm details with speakers for the whole next year in just a few days. One of those speakers was Coffin. I called the number on the contact sheet and the person on the other end answered with a simple “hello.” This surprised me for two reasons: first, the usual response is something such as, “This is William Coffin’s office;” second, the answerer sounded older than most assistants. I hesitantly asked to speak to Rev. Coffin’s assistant. The person said, “Well, she left a long time ago, but you are speaking to Rev. Coffin right now. Should I find someone else?” Then he laughed.
We covered the usual details and then, without pausing, Coffin said, “So tell me about you.” I told him we were on our way to The Ecumenical Institute. He said, “Good. That’s an important place. And since I won’t see you at Lexington, tell me now: once you graduate, what are going to do to make a difference in the world?”
My second conversation with Coffin was not until May of 2004 when I helped organize a national conference of religious leaders in Cleveland, Ohio. We wanted Coffin to speak to the group, but his health was such that his doctors (and wife) would not let him attend. So, in Coffin’s typical spirit of pushing the boundaries, he agreed to join us live by telephone, which we then broadcast over the speaker system for everyone to hear. In the conversation before we went on the air, I thanked Bill for joining us and asked how he was feeling. He said, “Clearly the trick is to die young as late as possible.”
Wednesday of Holy Week, April 12, Bill Coffin died from congestive heart failure.
His heart may have failed physically, but his heart did not fail to speak his faith. It did not fail to put his faith into action. It did not fail to tell the truth.
For that, we are blessed.
Nathan Day Wilson
Remembering a Truth Teller
Most of my role models in the Christian faith are people I know well and have for a long time. My grandparents are examples, as are other family members, former ministers and teachers. Their impact on me was gradual, resulting from numerous conversations and experiences and encounters.
I have a few role models in the faith, however, whose impact on me resulted from their witness and only a few personal exposures. One of them was William Sloane Coffin.
Coffin was long-time university chaplain at Yale and then senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City for ten years. He was witty, personable, articulate. Coffin is half the inspiration for the “Rev. Sloan” character in Gary Trudeau’s Doonesbury comic – a result of Coffin’s ministry and witness when Trudeau was a Yale student.
By no means was Coffin perfect. Early in his life, he was a self-avowed womanizer, and even after entering ministry, his ability to value the leadership of women in the church was a growing edge. Coffin asked forgiveness for both sins. Detractors and those who immaturely attempt to group people as either good or bad, without recognizing the shades of both that exist in us all, like to point to these flaws to discredit Coffin.
Flaws and all, Coffin was a courageous, charismatic and consistent defender of justice and peace who preached an expansive, attractive, compassionate Christianity. His strong message of God’s love reflected the message and priorities of Jesus in the New Testament.
My first conversation with Bill Coffin occurred when I was a student at Lexington Seminary. One of my jobs during seminary was student assistant to the dean and one of my major responsibilities in that job was to coordinate the weekly convocation schedule, which included confirming details with all our speakers, most of whom were out of town.
It was the fall of 1995, not long before Janice and I were to go to Switzerland to study and work. I was rushing to confirm details with speakers for the whole next year in just a few days. One of those speakers was Coffin. I called the number on the contact sheet and the person on the other end answered with a simple “hello.” This surprised me for two reasons: first, the usual response is something such as, “This is William Coffin’s office;” second, the answerer sounded older than most assistants. I hesitantly asked to speak to Rev. Coffin’s assistant. The person said, “Well, she left a long time ago, but you are speaking to Rev. Coffin right now. Should I find someone else?” Then he laughed.
We covered the usual details and then, without pausing, Coffin said, “So tell me about you.” I told him we were on our way to The Ecumenical Institute. He said, “Good. That’s an important place. And since I won’t see you at Lexington, tell me now: once you graduate, what are going to do to make a difference in the world?”
My second conversation with Coffin was not until May of 2004 when I helped organize a national conference of religious leaders in Cleveland, Ohio. We wanted Coffin to speak to the group, but his health was such that his doctors (and wife) would not let him attend. So, in Coffin’s typical spirit of pushing the boundaries, he agreed to join us live by telephone, which we then broadcast over the speaker system for everyone to hear. In the conversation before we went on the air, I thanked Bill for joining us and asked how he was feeling. He said, “Clearly the trick is to die young as late as possible.”
Wednesday of Holy Week, April 12, Bill Coffin died from congestive heart failure.
His heart may have failed physically, but his heart did not fail to speak his faith. It did not fail to put his faith into action. It did not fail to tell the truth.
For that, we are blessed.
Nathan Day Wilson
I have a few role models in the faith, however, whose impact on me resulted from their witness and only a few personal exposures. One of them was William Sloane Coffin.
Coffin was long-time university chaplain at Yale and then senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City for ten years. He was witty, personable, articulate. Coffin is half the inspiration for the “Rev. Sloan” character in Gary Trudeau’s Doonesbury comic – a result of Coffin’s ministry and witness when Trudeau was a Yale student.
By no means was Coffin perfect. Early in his life, he was a self-avowed womanizer, and even after entering ministry, his ability to value the leadership of women in the church was a growing edge. Coffin asked forgiveness for both sins. Detractors and those who immaturely attempt to group people as either good or bad, without recognizing the shades of both that exist in us all, like to point to these flaws to discredit Coffin.
Flaws and all, Coffin was a courageous, charismatic and consistent defender of justice and peace who preached an expansive, attractive, compassionate Christianity. His strong message of God’s love reflected the message and priorities of Jesus in the New Testament.
My first conversation with Bill Coffin occurred when I was a student at Lexington Seminary. One of my jobs during seminary was student assistant to the dean and one of my major responsibilities in that job was to coordinate the weekly convocation schedule, which included confirming details with all our speakers, most of whom were out of town.
It was the fall of 1995, not long before Janice and I were to go to Switzerland to study and work. I was rushing to confirm details with speakers for the whole next year in just a few days. One of those speakers was Coffin. I called the number on the contact sheet and the person on the other end answered with a simple “hello.” This surprised me for two reasons: first, the usual response is something such as, “This is William Coffin’s office;” second, the answerer sounded older than most assistants. I hesitantly asked to speak to Rev. Coffin’s assistant. The person said, “Well, she left a long time ago, but you are speaking to Rev. Coffin right now. Should I find someone else?” Then he laughed.
We covered the usual details and then, without pausing, Coffin said, “So tell me about you.” I told him we were on our way to The Ecumenical Institute. He said, “Good. That’s an important place. And since I won’t see you at Lexington, tell me now: once you graduate, what are going to do to make a difference in the world?”
My second conversation with Coffin was not until May of 2004 when I helped organize a national conference of religious leaders in Cleveland, Ohio. We wanted Coffin to speak to the group, but his health was such that his doctors (and wife) would not let him attend. So, in Coffin’s typical spirit of pushing the boundaries, he agreed to join us live by telephone, which we then broadcast over the speaker system for everyone to hear. In the conversation before we went on the air, I thanked Bill for joining us and asked how he was feeling. He said, “Clearly the trick is to die young as late as possible.”
Wednesday of Holy Week, April 12, Bill Coffin died from congestive heart failure.
His heart may have failed physically, but his heart did not fail to speak his faith. It did not fail to put his faith into action. It did not fail to tell the truth.
For that, we are blessed.
Nathan Day Wilson
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