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Adam Russell Taylor writes in this week’s SojoMail that we don’t have to ignore our theological differences to work together for positive change: Sometimes the church can feel hopelessly divided: Disagreements around sexuality are splitting apart Protestant denominations in the U.S. and around the world. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further divided the Orthodox Church. The Catholic Church continues to face fallout over its handling of sexual abuse and schisms over Pope Francis’ hopeful efforts to create a more inclusive church. But while the church’s divisions tend to grab headlines, I’ve noticed that examples of unity within the body of Christ often go unnoticed. When I say “Christian unity,” what I mean isn’t “Christians should all just agree” or even “Christians should ignore our real differences in doctrine and tradition.” Instead, what I mean by “Christian unity” is that when we center our shared identity in Christ — notwithstanding our differences — we can generate trust and build relationships that bear real fruit, increasing cooperation within the church to address challenges in the world. And I say this knowing that there are often many good reasons why Christians are not unified, including differing views on issues that cut to the heart of our faith, such as our interpretation of scripture, what we believe about the role of baptism, and vastly different governance structures, as well as differing views around contentious issues such as abortion and sexuality. But Christian unity is still worth pursuing because it ultimately strengthens our collective witness, advancing the love of God and work of justice. Last week, I had the privilege of seeing glimpses of that kind of Christian unity in action.
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Our Latest ‘Civil War’ Highlights the False God of Neutrality (by JR. Forasteros) In violent times, can journalists — and churches — be apolitical? Brenda Salter McNeil Knows Why We’re Fed Up With ‘Racial Reconciliation’ (by Josiah R. Daniels) The author and minister told Sojourners that “reconciliation was always supposed to be married to reparations.” What Jews Want Christians to Understand About Passover (by Heather Brady) Christian curiosity about Jewish seders can lead to being better neighbors. But that curiosity touches a dark history. Despite Transphobic Laws, I Found A Queer Community in Miami (by Simón Cázares) Leaving Miami allowed me to begin healing from my Catholic upbringing. When I returned, I was surprised to find unlikely allies. |
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From the Magazine Holy Mary, Mother of Gardens (by Annelise Jolley) The Virgin Mary is inspiring everyone from Girl Scouts to Instagram-savvy nuns to restore local biodiversity. |
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