Embracing others

A few years ago I read a book called 'Exclusion or Embrace.'  The book has long since faded into the past but the title has stayed with me.  We are now in Community Relations Week and I am again looking to see how we, the church, can be a catalyst for good in our community.

The truth is that there is not just one answer.  That is good!  We are seeking to build a healthy community around us that acknowledges that we are different but that we can respect each other, acknowledge our difference but live together as different parts of one community.  Some may think that this is idealistic: it is!  However, just because it is idealistic I don't think that it is the same as saying that it is not a vision that should motivate us.

Northern Ireland has lived in a time when difference has lead to us killing each other.  The church is called to be peace makers.  This is a difficult place to inhabit.  It is a proactive position. Rev David Latimer, is a Presbyterian minister in Derry/Londonderry, his church building has been completely rebuilt after about 9 years.  As he spoke on the radio today the most compelling part of the interview was his words on the church being part of the community on the cityside.  It was a real challenge!

My hope and prayer is that we might embrace one another in real relationships, relationships that are marked by love.