Our doors were open today, as they will be every day this week. Thanks to the volunteers who are providing hospitality. Not many people came in today, but then, there weren’t many people around Capitol Square, either. My guess is tomorrow will be busier, with several rallies planned as well as the governor’s budget speech. If you’re around and need to get warm, use a restroom, or pray, drop in and say hello.

I walked around the Capitol a couple of times today. I stood with the group at the King St. entrance where people were being prevented from entering. As the day went on, the numbers grew.

As I walked from the King St. entrance around toward State St., one protester who was banging a drumstick against a metal garbage can lid (or something of the sort) made his way up the stairs and on  to the portico. I was near a couple of sheriff’s deputies at the time, and I heard one say to his buddy, “I’m not going to do anything about that unless I’m ordered to.”

Seeing my collar, several people suggested the cops might let me in. I didn’t test the theory, but I might later in the week if this continues.

I’m not sure how long this will continue but enormous damage has been done to our state and our common life. I’m beginning to think of the aftermath–what can we as a community of faith do to foster reconciliation?