“United Methodist churches remain some of the very few institutions in American society where people from different political persuasions can build deep and meaningful relationships with each other. In a polarized and often toxic political climate, UMC congregations are positioned to advance the ministry of Jesus by creating a beloved community that bridges political and theological divides.”
The Purple Church
The above quote, published by the Religion and Social Change Lab of Duke Divinity School, is from a study that finds that United Methodist congregations in North Carolina are theologically and politically diverse, thus creating a “purple church” which reflects our deep diversity. As we gather each week, worshiping and serving side by side with each other, we are often sitting and serving “across the aisles” from siblings in Christ who think differently, and who may vote differently in the U.S. elections this November.
Considering other recent election years, and in the shadow of a prolonged season of deep divisions and loss within our own denomination, we might be tempted, as Christians, to remain silent, keeping our heads down as the most effective tactic of keeping the peace within our congregations. However, in his Sermon on the Mount, as Jesus was establishing the way of the life on which his Kingdom would be established, he reminds us that a life of faithfulness and blessing comes with making peace, not simply keeping it, when he says: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9 NRSV).
‘May we not love alike?’
During these contentious election cycles, we are bombarded with messages designed to drive us into separate “camps” (sometimes referred to as “parties”) defined by our differences of opinion. However, John Wesley reminds us that our differences should not divide us when he says “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.”
Tools to bridge the divide
To equip us in our faithful witness as United Methodists, the Peace Building Ministries of the Western North Carolina Conference has launched the Purple Church Initiative. This initiative includes a variety of engagement tools for clergy and laity to foster unity in our diversity, to bridge the political and theological divides in our churches and communities including a Polarity Management Workshop, opportunities for engaging in Faith and Politics forums, and encouragement to be a voting, peaceful presence at the polls.
One of the key components within the Initiative is a worship planning and study resource entitled “Conversations Across the Aisles.” This free downloadable resource includes weekly scripture readings, hymn suggestions and other liturgical resources for use in worship planning, Sunday School classes, or small group discussions. Conversation Across the Aisles is designed to be used by both clergy and laity in a variety of church and community settings and includes weekly thematic summary cards which can be printed as bulletin inserts or used as weekly social media posts.
“Conversation Across the Aisles” also culminates in a Peace on Purpose Pledge Cards which can be printed or posted digitally to encourage our personal commitment as individuals to be ambassadors of peace in our families, congregations, with co-workers, and in the public arena (including our use of social media platforms).
Now more than ever, our communities need to experience our faithful witness as peacemakers. As John Wesley encouraged the early Methodists, we, too, can hold one another accountable to make peace, not just keep it, by working together to “be of one heart… not withstanding these differences.”
For more information and to access Conversations Across the Aisles and to learn more about the Purple Church Initiative, visit this link.
Rev. Beth M Crissman is the Uwharrie District Superintendent and Director of Peace Building Ministries, Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church.
The content was published Sept. 6, 2024. Contact is Joe Iovino.