Difference, Not Disagreement (Mid-week Message)

 

The Great Barrier Reef from Space

Difference, not Disagreement

Fr. Tony’s Midweek Message

Nov. 19, 2014

Elena and I are heading off on our adventure in the Great Barrier Reef.  See you in Advent!

Last week at the Diocesan convention, I was privileged to witness a serious discussion of a serious matter, where both sides held their opinions deeply, and differed widely from each other.  The issue was whether the Diocese should publicly condemn the Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian lands, what Israel calls the West Bank and Gaza, and consider divestment of stocks in companies that profit from the occupation.  What made me proud was that we had a real discussion of issues.  People on both sides were informed, respectful, and shared common Gospel values of how to judge the matter.  They differed on how specifically to approach the injustice of the situation and the horrible plight of occupants of the occupied territories.  Though we differed, however, we were not disagreeable.  Everyone respected the floor rules; no one stooped to ad hominem attacks; and all recognized the points of common value and belief they shared with the opposite position.    Here were Episcopalians doing what Anglicans from the time of Elizabeth have aspired to do:  create a middle path, a common ground, a sect- and brand-free faith rooted in shared, or common prayer. 

The Archbishop of Canterbury this week gave an important speech to the General Synod of the Church of England in which he gave an overview of the status of the Anglican Communion.  One point that he raised underscores this point of the value of sharing common life with those with whom we differ:  

 “The future of the Communion requires sacrifice.  The biggest sacrifice is that we cannot only work with those we like, and hang out with those whose views are also ours.  Groups of like-minded individuals meeting to support and encourage each other may be necessary, indeed often are very necessary, but they are never sufficient.  Sufficiency is in loving those with whom we disagree.  What may be necessary in the way of party politics, is not sufficient in what might be called the polity of the Church.” 

As we prepare for Christ the King Sunday and the start of Advent, it might be a good idea to look at how well we are showing love to those from whom we differ, especially when the beliefs are deeply held. 

Grace and peace,  Fr. Tony+