If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (I Corinthians 12:26-27)
Within the Christian community there continues to be a difference in the ways that we express and understand our common faith. At times this can lead to a polarised outcome where one claims to be right and the other is informed that they are wrong.
Such debates do not build closer relationships between people and communities, they serve to further deepen difference and result in fixed opinions and ideologies.
There were strong differences on display in the recent World Council of Churches Central Committee meeting. The process of consensus led to a question being asked such as ‘can we live with the proposal as tabled?’
This question was not about insisting on compliance with the will of the majority, it was much more about ensuring that we stay in relationship with each other, in our difference. It was also based on the desire to ensure a commitment to dialogue, listen and understand each other. Processes of dialogue lead to both communal and relational growth and an appreciation that we need each other in order to grow in understanding.
The metaphor of the body used by Paul has strong affirmations that we all need to hear. One is that there is a single body, with inherent difference and relationality. We are all individually all part of it. Each part needs the other. Pain and joy is a shared experience and reality and the parts that are ‘less honourable’ receive greater ‘honour’.
This is as image used of the church, and is one that can be extended and applied more broadly. All humanity is the work of the Creator. All are made in the image of God. If our approach to each other is based on respect, listening and compassion our relationships grow and so does our capacity to appreciate each other. Pain and joy are shared, as is taking responsibility for the consequences of action or inaction.
Right now we are sharing the pain of those impacted by conflict, dispossession, abuse and war and do so with the desire that peace, healing and justice come.
Rev John Gilmore
NCCA President
Below:
Praying with and for the world. Christian leaders join worship at the 23rd Baptist World Congress, Brisbane Convention Centre on Friday 11 July 2025.
