Letter to the Editor - American citizen's fellowship

Editor,

Throughout Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, he vowed if elected he would unite a deeply divided country. The reason behind an obvious national division could be up for a reasonable debate. And this letter is not meant to address that. But briefly, one always must consider who directly benefits from any division, which may purposely be maintained. 

This morning I wrote “American fellowship” in an email, and it was as if lights came on. I can’t remember seeing this term used anywhere. “Fellowship,” I have heard in terms of two past experiences. 

I recall hours at a Christian church where “fellowship” was announced to be happening. I also recall time in a twelve-step group where “fellowship” was also announced to be at play in a supporting way. Twelve-step program principles do have a Christian origin. 

So I looked for fellowship quotes to see if this may actually be something forgotten in terms of nation. Among the first quotes was indeed not related to “American fellowship” but was from Giuseppe Mazzini (1807-1862), an Italian activist who brought unification to his country — an “Italian fellowship.”

His quote is as follows: “A Country is not a mere territory; the particular territory is only its foundation. The Country is the idea which rises upon that foundation; it is the sentiment of love, the sense of ‘fellowship’ which binds together all the sons of that territory.” 

“Fellowship” implies to me a supportive open exchange of ideas, not nationalist in tone. Can anyone doubt that this is needed now? It is apparent down to the family level in our American society, especially in some families. As long as the Thanksgiving dinner is not ruined, or that people no longer communicate (which has occurred) the “American citizenship fellowship” only strengthens us. 

Erwin Curry

Missoula