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The Foundations of Unity

How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! Psalm 133.1


In the Old Testament, there are 15 psalms which are called Songs of Ascents, sung by pilgrims as they were traveling to the temple in Jerusalem, referencing the physical climb to Jerusalem. This particular one came to mind as we struggle with the now infamous for some and courageous for others sermon of the Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde at the Inaugural Prayer Service a few days ago.

Unity is essential when there are mountains to climb, and Bishop Budde spoke about the foundations of unity which are essential for us as a nation to remember in order to go forward in peace. She said,


"Unity is not partisan...the foundations of Unity are:

  1. Honoring inherent dignity of every human being

  2. Honesty in private conversation and public discourse

  3. Humility and knowing we are all fallible which we must admit and realize we are all more alike than we are different.


    Unity is hard when we are dealing with real differences," she said, "But in the name of God," she plead, "have mercy on those who fear for their lives...be merciful to the stranger for we were all strangers at one time...

    May God grant us the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being, to speak the truth to one another and to walk humbly with each other and our God for the good of all people in this nation and the world. "


    I join Bishop Budde in pleading for mercy, justice and love as we all struggle to climb the mountains of divisiveness and walk humbly with God and each other. Though it may seem to be a Sisyphean task, with God Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer blazing the trail, we can do it.

    How very good and pleasant it will be, dear beloveds.


from the Foundation for American Christian Education
from the Foundation for American Christian Education

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