Who will speak truth to power?

There was a missed opportunity to do so at last week’s Colorado Prayer Luncheon, where the host chose to speak on behalf of the powerful and lecture the hundreds of faithful in attendance about how to be nice to our elected elite.

It was an odd and divisive diversion for an institution that has been, and must continue to be, a respected pillar in Colorado’s public square.

The Colorado Prayer Luncheon’s website says it “exists to help faith, government and business leaders work together on behalf of people in need” through “multi-sector cooperation.”  

That is a fine sentiment, for there are few institutions left that try to foster real conversation. This event has traditionally been a venue for politicians to hear the voice of the faithful, which is too often marginalized or caricatured.

Which is why the first hour of the gathering was so discordant.

In an extended address, Dave Runyon, an event organizer, hectored his guests, who paid for the privilege, acting as an ombudsman for those in power. The luncheon morphed into a seminar on lobbying tips and techniques mixed with innocuous updates from Gov. Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.

The focus of his irritation was the debate over — rather than the substance of — the highly controversial and deeply flawed transgender rights bill that drew broad-based opposition from the faith community (and not solely from conservative Christians).

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Runyon cited two cherry-picked communications as examples. The first was indeed rude, extreme, and counter-productive. The second letter was long, well-written but fawning and rhetorically flaccid. He vastly preferred the latter because it would be pleasing to the powerful.

Why not then ask the governor to discuss how, or whether, any perspectives from Coloradans of faith informed his consideration of the bill? But that could risk irritating the powerful.

Instead, we were told that the faith community has a “public relations problem.” 

So did Jesus.

The religious left works overtime to paint Jesus as meek and mild. A go-along, get-along guy who operated the equivalent of a religious cafeteria. Take the teachings you like; pass by what you don’t.

A judgment-free maître d’ with a halo.

Sounds pleasant. But it’s not the authentic Jesus.

Was he profoundly loving and welcoming? Of course.

He also (in one case literally) drew lines in the sand. He issued strong challenges. Sometimes, he let the power elite have it.

Jesus called the religious ruling class of his day a “brood of vipers,” “blind guides” and “hypocrites” — to their faces. He directly challenged practices tolerated by the elites, whip in hand, turning over the tables of the money changers in the Temple.

He might have gotten himself a stern talking to at the Colorado Prayer Luncheon.

Fortunately, the program got back on the rails thanks to the keynote speaker, Lisa Steven, the founder of Hope House. Steven and her team have provided a safe place for teen mothers for more than two decades, empowering young women with personal and economic self-sufficiency.

She shared the powerful story of her own challenging journey as a teen mother and how God called her, guided her, and opened doors to create this successful non-profit that has changed thousands of lives.

If Lisa Steven did not fight aggressively against the inertia of the comfortable status quo and stay true to her values and her God, there would be no Hope House.

She delivered an inspirational, challenging, and unapologetic message without lecturing anyone. It was a talk in the best tradition of what the Colorado Prayer Luncheon can and must be.

The choice in public policy is often binary when your party is not in charge: you can be liked by, and useful to, the elite or you can push hard for what is right and true.

In this cultural moment, speaking truth to those in power, especially at the important Colorado Prayer Luncheon, should be a time to build up, not tear down, good and energetic people of faith whose vision can turn Colorado toward a brighter future.

Sean Duffy is a former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Bill Owens and Colorado-based strategic communications consultant. He now serves as vice president at a philanthropic foundation. The views expressed here are his own.