We are part of a tradition that proudly proclaims, "God is still speaking." In these times of deep societal division, I believe one of the clearest messages we are hearing is a call to resist the perilous path of partisan camps and ideological echo chambers. Our wider society is experimenting dangerously with what happens when we sort ourselves into warring factions—an experiment history teaches often ends in disaster. We, as the UCC, must model a different way, one rooted in a robust and practiced pluralism, where breaking bread with someone from a different political party or another faith is not a rare exception, but a cherished expression of our core values. Our churches cannot become isolated bubbles, detached from the vibrant, multifaceted reality of neighborhoods like ours here in Phoenix, and indeed, across the nation. The world our children will inherit depends on our commitment to bridge-building.
The allure of the echo chamber offers a false comfort. When we exclusively surround ourselves with those who mirror our views, our perspectives narrow, our empathy for the "other" atrophies, and understanding devolves into caricature. Political commentators note how "party sorting" transforms ideological difference into animosity, breeding gridlock. Sociologists might warn of weakening societal glue and rising normlessness as people retreat into homogenous tribes.
History groans with warnings: societal fractures preceding imperial collapse, religious strife leading to devastating wars instead of mutual enrichment. While our 21st-century context is unique, the human dynamics of in-group loyalty and out-group suspicion are timeless. The current "pernicious polarization," where opposing sides view each other as existential threats, is a dangerous fire we must help to quell, not fuel.
Our theological DNA as the UCC calls us to embrace pluralism. This isn't mere passive tolerance, but an active, robust engagement with diversity. As Diana Eck of The Pluralism Project reminds us, diversity is an achievement requiring intentional effort. Pluralism invites our deepest commitments into the public square, not for dominance, but to enrich our common life. It demands we listen, learn, and seek understanding even when we disagree, cultivating curiosity over condemnation.
This resonates deeply with our Christian calling. The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31, Matthew 22:39, Galatians 5:14) makes no exceptions for a neighbor’s political sign or religious affiliation. Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) deliberately chose a member of a despised out-group to exemplify compassionate action. The Apostle Paul frequently urged unity within diverse early Christian communities (Ephesians 4:1-6, 1 Corinthians 12), showing that true unity is forged in embracing diversity, grounded in shared humanity and love. "Love does no wrong to its neighbor" (Romans 13:10) must be our watchword.
That is why I am always heartened when I see pastors and our conference leadership actively engaged in ecumenicalism and being friends with leaders from other faiths. They are setting the right example for all of us. They embody the UCC spirit, demonstrating that our commitment to our own faith is enriched, not weakened, by extending friendship and understanding across religious and societal divides.
A beautiful recent example of this principle, one that speaks directly to our potential here in Phoenix and beyond, involved our own First Church Phoenix UCC. We participated in a gathering with members of a local LDS ward and a Black Baptist church. The premise was simple yet profound: we shared personal stories of meaningful encounters with God, however we understood the Divine. As story after story unfolded, labels—UCC, LDS, Baptist, liberal, conservative—faded. What emerged was a shared humanity, a common quest for meaning, a recognition of the sacred in each other’s lives. We saw fellow travelers, not doctrinal representatives. This is pluralism in practice: building bridges of understanding, not erasing our distinctiveness.
So, what can we, as members of the United Church of Christ, concretely do to further embrace and champion this vital pluralism?
Deepen Our Understanding, Challenge Our Bubbles: Let's intentionally create spaces in our local churches for learning about other faiths and different political perspectives, ensuring these discussions are steeped in respect and a genuine desire to understand. This could be through book studies, inviting diverse guest speakers (not for debate, but for sharing), or utilizing UCC resources on interfaith relations. We must also consciously diversify our own news and information intake.
Practice "Story-Sharing" as a Bridge: Inspired by the Phoenix example, let's initiate similar interfaith or cross-community gatherings focused on sharing personal narratives and experiences. These encounters build empathy far more effectively than abstract debates. What if your church hosted a "Sacred Stories" evening with a neighboring synagogue, mosque, temple, or even a community group with different political leanings?
Audit and Expand Our Church's Welcome and Witness: How does our church’s public witness come across? While we are called to pursue justice, let's ensure our advocacy builds bridges rather than walls, inviting dialogue even with those who may not initially agree. Let's also review our local mission and outreach partnerships. Are we engaging with a diverse range of community groups? Can we initiate new service projects that bring together people from different backgrounds for a common cause?
Champion Ecumenical and Interfaith Engagement: Actively encourage and support our pastors, conference ministers, and national UCC leaders in their ecumenical and interfaith work. Participate in these initiatives when opportunities arise. Our historic commitment to Christian unity and inter-religious understanding is a powerful asset in a fractured world.
Cultivate Covenantal Relationships Across Difference: The UCC emphasizes covenant. Let's extend that understanding to building covenanted relationships of mutual respect and learning with those outside our usual circles. This means individual commitments to reach out, listen generously, and find common humanity even amidst disagreement.
Such engagement is the antidote to societal bifurcation. It requires courage, humility, and commitment. Our churches, guided by a still-speaking God, should be at the forefront, modeling how to be deeply rooted in our progressive Christian tradition yet radically open and welcoming to all. The diverse reality of our neighborhoods and the future of our children demand we abandon the well-worn path of division. It is time, fellow UCC members, to boldly live out our call to pluralism—for the sake of our communities, our nation, and our shared world.
