As we’re doing introductions in the “Faith Communities” breakout session, I realize yet again one of interesting ironies (is that the word I want?) of being a blogger covering events like this.  It’s a notion that first struck me at the Republican National Convention.

I mean, I’m really a hybrid here, wanting to participate and offer my opinion, but also am trying to report honestly on the happenings here so as to give y’all the highlights.  But, of course, I have my highlights and can’t be entirely objective.  And unlike many in the MSM, we bloggers (well most of us) at least acknowledge our bias and thus the limitations of our coverage.

Not just that, were a reporter during the plenary, I might have paid more attention even as I found it increasingly dull.  As a blogger, offering a kind of “diary” of the event, the boredom is part of the coverage.

12:31 In one of four further-breakout sessions where one person questions those who suggest we encourage religious leaders to speak out in their community as engaging in the same of behavior criticized on right, blending church and politics.

12:35 One woman expresses her concern about post-election violence, slander. Kudos to her for saying that, though she qualified her remark by saying “on both sides.” Did those who voted for Prop 8 engage in any violence after the election?

12:45 Should I try to start counting the cliches I’ve heard today. I mean, some people are making some good points. A lot of talk about what people can do, which is a good thing, but I wonder it they’ll change any minds by talking about “marriage equality” without talking about what marriage means.

Could any person here define marriage?

One woman, we have to “shut out pie-holes and listen.” Good point. Gay activists do need to learn how social conservatives. And they would do well to listen before they speak.

12:50 Is it just me? Or do other people become irritating when you’re at events like these where they give you very, very specific guidelines about what to talk about?

12:55 Eyes glazing over again. Look, they need a basic three-pronged strategy to reach out to people in “Faith Communities.” Once they adopt the strategy, they need develop appropriate tactics:

1. Admit Gay Marriage Represents Social Change
2. Acknowledge Much Opposition to Gay Marriage is not Hate-Based (listen to gay marriage opponents)
3. Express why such Social Change is a good thing in terms opposition can understand (address concerns of gay marriage opponents)