United, uniting and unions

I've neglected the blog, but I'm going to attempt to get things moving again...

A couple of things have hit the news lately that connect here. I previously posted about the Service Employees International Union. Now they have joined a couple of other unions in leaving the AFL-CIO. I'm impressed that their goals are not limited by politcal "realities" but that they seem to be implying that they want to change the world!

In that previous post I also contended that as Christians we are members of one of the largest unions in the world. Our denomination, the United Church of Christ, recently held its national meeting, General Synod. At this meeting the delegates voted to support marriage rights for all, not least of whom being gay and lesbian couples. Needless to say, this has led to some heated debates and even to some ending their relationship with the denomination.

These two situations demonstrate the necessity of questioning whether the strength of unity is more important than principles for which we stand. In the United Church of Christ we strive to be united and uniting, but that never requires unanimity. When we gather in covenant communities, whether on the local level or any setting up to the full national setting, we never claim authority to speak for any group other than ourselves, while reserving the right to speak to the other settings of the church. It can be a fine line to walk at times, but it allows for principles and unity to stay in relationship...and certainly makes for some exciting times. In the end, who knows, maybe we will change the world!