Conflict: In Conflict or Navigating Conflict?
The world is in conflict. Bold statement or truth?
The Church is no exception. Yet the Church has a place or role to play in helping navigate conflict.
Once, in a family discussion during our daughter's elementary years, we noticed a teaching method her (Christian School) Principal used:
“What would Jesus do?” or “What would Jesus say?”
Perhaps, this current time of societal conflict offers the Church one of its greatest opportunities for discipleship!
At the same time however, recent reading informs me that the Church of today has a poor record in helping to navigate conflict—often no better than Fox News or CNN. (Apologies for the US media reference.)
This week, during our Wednesday Lenten Book Study (Empowered to Repair, by Brenda Salter McNeil) we read:
“Generations 'Z' and 'Alpha' are sick and tired of having their lives put on the line because of other people’s inability or unwillingness to effect change. Even the very people fighting for change are being punished for pushing against the status quo.”
Empowered to Repair, Brenda Salter McNeil; pg. 38.
We also read:
“Similarly, this younger generation of Christians, in order to lead with empathy and compassion, must develop the ability to lament.
This spiritual resource is action oriented and has the power to galvanize reconciliation leaders to work in solidarity with others.
When this occurs, they will be able to leverage their collective power and work together for meaningful change.
Their belief in a God who hears will give them hope and strength to keep working to make the world better.” pg.58 ibid.
One of the most effective tools the Church can, and must, offer the world is our addiction and tradition of gathering together.
We need to continue this “gathering practice” in worship and prayer. We are called to gather together in faith.
"Stats and studies" aside — "experience" tells us that when people gather together — to pray, study scripture, and discuss their differences — in the setting of worship — conflict is no longer a threat, but rather becomes an opportunity.
Gathering together is a far better tool, or resource, than Facebook, or media news conferences.
When the leaders of the world recognize this, they will find conflict can be resolved.
The world needs REAL face-to-face conversations. To do this, is to have opportunity to hear real truth.
To navigate conflict, Society needs — we need — to be generous in finding ways of being together.
Blessings,
Archdeacon Brian+
