A couple of weeks ago I received a letter from a parishioner questioning why I promote the LA Religious Education Congress. Their concern is that Congress has some speakers that are, in their estimation, a little less than orthodox. While I don't agree that they are less than orthodox, I do know they are a little "left-leaning" in their thought. But I was quick to point out that the LA Congress also has some speakers that lean a little bit to the far right. That is what I like most about Congress. It is a collection of the Church at its fullness--all parts of the spectrum.
McLaren is right when he says that our differences need to be celebrated and not feared. He is right when he challenges to break away from "tribalism" that pit us against them. Perhaps we need to pray for that in our current political environment and our Church environment too. I was reading a blog recently that mentioned a German bishop demanding inter-communion for non-Catholic spouses attending Catholic Mass with their spouse. What struck me was that his words sounded every bit as closed-minded as his counter part who felt this was a bad idea. It seemed both sides wee clinging so tightly to their position, that they had lost the ability to dialogue. Further, it seems they had lost the ability to love the other...
Is it possible to disagree with someone without vilifying them? Is it possible to love someone with whom you disagree strongly? May Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 13 challenge us to live the love God envisions for all of us--a love that is patient, kind, not envious, pompous, or boastful. A love that does not seek its own interest or brood over injury, a love that never fails.
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