America can move on from a very divisive election season because there is more that unites us than divides us, so-said Kilgore College government instructor Jeff Stanglin, J.D., the main speaker at a Third Annual Symposium in Kilgore held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 30, in the Devall Student Center Ballroom at Kilgore College, with the theme “Religion and Politics in the 2016 Election: What to Expect in a Religiously Diverse Society”.

Kilgore College government instructor Jeff Stanglin begins his presentation by praising the free-exchange of ideas in America. Photo: Barbara Wuthrich.

Just days before the 2016 election, Stanglin’s main presentation initially offered definitions of religious diversity and surveyed religious diversity’s impact on politics, especially forcing U.S. courts to resolve conflicts over the First Amendment’s clauses against the establishment of religion and in favor of religion’s free exercise. Then, Stanglin turned to the 2016 election, briefly treating the candidates, what might be expected from voters, and a change in how church-state issues are viewed before wrapping up with his view of how America moves on from the election, regardless of who wins. (An audio recording of Stanglin’s presentation is here, and a handout of his PowerPoint slides is here.)

St. Luke’s United Methodist Pastor Darwood Galaway (left) responds to the presentation by Jeff Stanglin (right), while Pilgrim Lutheran’s Pastor Jayson Galler (center) listens intently. Photo: Barbara Wuthrich.

After a break, there were responses to Stanglin’s presentation from St. Luke United Methodist’s Pastor Darwood Galaway and Pilgrim Lutheran’s Pastor Jayson Galler, both of whom also expressed hope, albeit different hopes, for the religiously and politically divided country. (First Baptist’s Pastor Glenn Young was unable to participate due to a family crisis.) Then, moderated by Terry Booker, the two pastors and Stanglin answered questions from the audience, which consisted of nearly 75 people across a wide range of ages. (An audio recording of the panel response and audience questions is here.)

The vast majority of those who evaluated the Symposium (about one-third of those attending) somewhat or strongly agreed that the Symposium was worthwhile, interesting and relevant, formatted appropriately, on a suitable date and time, and in a fitting facility.

Connected to the anniversary of the October 31, 1517, Reformation, this 2016 Symposium was the third in a series, the purpose of which is to seek a deeper understanding of one another in our various church communities. The first Symposium was “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” in 2014, and the second was “At the Intersection of Church and State” in 2015. The purpose of the Symposia is to seek a deeper understanding of one another in our various church communities.Through the mutual sharing of knowledge and ideas, organizers believe that the Holy Spirit will draw people closer to that union that Christ desires for all (John 17:21-23).

A Fourth Annual Symposium in Kilgore is planned for Sunday, October 29, 2017, also from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and in the Devall Student Center Ballroom. The Rev. Dr. Jayson S. Galler is expected to make the main presentation, tentatively titled “The Reformation at 500 years”. (For news coverage of this and previous years’ Symposia, see here.

The banner graphic at the top of this page and other related graphics were composed by Carla Adsit.