Paul, writing from his prison cell, encouraged the Philippians to “be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” How can this happen at any time—past or present?
The early church leaders often had disagreements about how to accomplish a mission. Jesus didn’t dodge tough issues. It takes effort to address problems in society but where better than in a Christian community? By engaging with another individual, new avenues of understanding may emerge, especially with God’s presence in your midst.
What will you and a partner talk about?
The ELCA created five key understandings to guide discussions. One example is:
Racism is a mixture of power, privilege, and prejudice.
What are your reactions to this understanding of racism?
How do you see yourself, your community, your congregation caught up in racism?
Over four weeks, partners will have time to hear each other as they talk in a respectful conversation about diversity. They may not agree on everything. But each will gain in understanding another perspective from a partner with different life experiences.
Pastor Trozzo will to be available to help with any subject that comes up during the diversity discussions. He will create partners early this month, and packets of resources will be distributed to partners to begin discussions in late April.
Submitted by Barbara Duffy and Sue Kuhn
Copyright 2008 by Evangelical Lutheran Church in America