Hi Sandy!

Thank you for this very insightful and thought-provoking thread!

I absolutely agree that nonviolence includes the whole spectrum of interaction with other living beings ~ not only the physical.

In any faith, violence of especially emotion can infiltrate our ranks before we even know it. And the inclusivity of the church certainly must be the most tender ground for strong emotional reaction, whether for or against.

When the Methodist church in South Africa opened the question of whether gay leadership is Biblically “allowable” a few years ago, I had to ask questions myself. My perspective deepened so much on what became a very, very intense journey ~ up till that point I had never given it much thought. Because of what I came to believe, that our sexual orientation does not matter, I experienced firsthand from a family member what it feels like to encounter judgement, anger and prejudice. The relationship with this family member never completely recovered.

And I admit my own responsibility for it as well, because though I did not act emotionally violently towards her as we clashed on this matter, within my heart was such vehemence that it made little difference.

By contrast, all the people I encountered who just wanted a place in the church, and some acceptance from their brothers and sisters, were so gentle and open. I attended a gay church to see what it was all about, and was welcomed with open arms. I corresponded with the sweetest man who displayed such patience with the people flaming him … and I thought: that is how I want to be.

I learned a lot!

I have the deepest respect for ANYONE who manages to respond to injustice with peace, love and grace. In the end it is nothing but God’s grace, isn’t it?

You say it exactly right: It is that balance between “not giving in to rage and bitterness on one hand, nor to passive resignation and despair on the other.”

When accusations were thrown at Jesus, when He was humiliated and tortured and misunderstood, He didn’t hold it against them.

And that is who I want to be. Through and through!

Love,
Pippa