Pastors and reverends team up in Grand RapidsA group of pastors and reverends, twelve,it seems, were brought together by one of them in Grand Rapids for some talks, to try to unite better in what they see as a time of hardening relationships in American society, to overcome differences and to learn better to acknowledge and live with them. This film shows us the discussions and conversations between individuals. The result is understanding and eloquence. Some of these men and women - who come in various colors, sexual persuasions, and political bents - express themselves so well, you can understand why a congregation would want to come and listen to them every week.
They take up all sorts of issues that exist in the world today, class, gender, racism. It's stunning to see the leader say to come forward if they would officiate a same-sex marriage, and half of them move backward, the other half forward.
But what seems to matter is a lesbian pastor, who must listen to another minister say he does not approve of her. And she publicly declares that this hurts her, and she cries. The minister who started the whole thing, who is watched a bit more carefully by the film, explores his own family for the viewer and reveals that he and his loving wife have two adopted children and the younger one has turned out to be trans. He acknowledges that he has been keeping this part of his private life and his pastoral life separate, and he resolves to stop doing that. Meanwhile, some of the more conservative members of the group move toward the lesbian minister and seem to see that actually, maybe she's pretty cool.
The declarations of brotherhood and friendship at the end are typically warm and eloquent. Vows are made to keep in touch. There are hugs all around. Whether this leads further, we have watched a process that gives us hope and that reminds us that Christianity still matters in our world, whatever we may think.
It seems unusual to see Christians on display in a documentary nowadays. This is an exception to that rule that is so heartening and moving, it made me wish I could be Christian, it felt that Christian ministers all around the country would want. to see the film, as well as people concerned about faith, values, and politics.
Nicholas Ma, who we remember is the son of Yo Yo Ma, became known as the producer of the documentary about TV's Mr. Rogers,,
Won't You Be My Neighbor. He made his own feature documentary that appeared this year,
Mabel, which debuted at the SF Film Festival, and was about a little girl preoccupied with a plant named Mabel who learns to care also about her human neighbor. It had its world premiere at San Francisco.
Leap of Faith, 85 mins. releases by Picturehouse Oct. 4 and comes to San Francisco Oct. 18.
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