Dear Friends
As I write this letter we are entering into a New Year in which there seems to be a lot of conflict around – in the Church, the world, and possibly our own lives. How might we deal with such conflict more positively so that instead of being destructive it might lead to creative, life-giving, solutions?
A few years ago the Church of England published the Pastoral Principles for Living Well Together as a way of helping the church to discuss the divisive issues of Human Sexuality more positively. Whatever we might think of the difficult issues around human sexuality, the Pastoral Principles can help us all deal with conflict, whatever it’s source, in a more positive and creative manner.
These principles are as follows:-
- Acknowledge prejudice. No one is unconditioned by their experience of life, positively or negatively. All of us must reflect on our attitudes and behaviour – the journey from prejudice to hatred is a short one. Do we welcome and love people as they are, or do we expect them to be like us?
- Speak into silence. Silence can shelter abuse of power, and people must be given space, permission and opportunities to speak – especially the more vulnerable. Are we willing to allow others to speak?
- Address ignorance. Ignorance is inevitable – are we willing to listen and learn from the experiences and perspectives of those who are different to us to lessen our ignorance?
- Cast out fear. There can be fear about ‘breaking ranks’ and speaking out, or that if one’s opinion is known then relationships may be affected. Such fear must be addressed because it can corrupt our life together and imprison individuals and groups. How do we work to build a culture of openness rather than fearfulness?
- Admit hypocrisy. Structures and practices that promote evasiveness can be seen as hypocrisy. How do we work to build open and trusting relationships, even in the face of disagreement?
- Pay attention to power. Inequalities of power can lead to abuse unless we reflect continuously on the power we hold. Do we acknowledge the power we hold?
We live in a world where there is an increasing amount of difference and diversity – this can either lead to conflict (as it increasingly seems to!) or be a channel for new insights and growth. The Pastoral Principles might just help us all to ensure that it’s the latter.
Yours in Christ
Simon