Diversity: A Dirty Word?

By Will Koehler
Position, Community United Church

On October 24, our church celebrated our 2nd Annual "Diversity Sunday." This was a moving service led by Dr. Richard McCarty, our head pastor, Richard Moyer, and our wonderful director of music. As a congregational participant, I had an opportunity to experience the freedom we have in our church to worship a God whom has continued to surprise us with openness and acceptance, not just despite our differences, but rather because of our differences. At the same time, I was reminded that we have not yet "arrived."

So often the Christian church comes under the criticism of hypocrisy. "The church is full of hypocrites!", "They can't agree on anything!", "They are an exclusive, irrelevant clique!" etc. I was, in-fact, reminded of these claims when, prior to the service beginning, an elder member of our congregation chided another member of our congregation for speaking too loudly while welcoming a visitor sitting beside her! It took a few minutes for me to recuperate from the shock I felt. As I did, I realized how messy it is to work with real people.

Many of us like to associate with those like us. Differences challenge us, and, quite frankly, it is easier to sit at home and watch our favorite reality show than experience the reality of "passing the peace" with someone very different than us. This elderly member didn't stay home, however, she instead showed up. She knew for weeks in advance that Oct. 24th was diversity Sunday, and she came anyway. She was apparently out of her comfort zone, but she was there, committed to "Diversity Sunday" in her own way.

But this is how real change happens, isn't it? It is a dirty process that offends our sensibilities, forces us out of our complacency and more often looks like a hot-mess rather than an elegant celebration. We take a few steps back among the slow progress forward. I firmly believe that Community United Church is moving in the right direction as an "Open and Affirming" congregation, but we have not yet arrived. Those on the outside may see us as hypocritical, unscriptural, phony… the list is endless. And yet it is this dirty and uncomfortable yet authentic process in which we invite you to participate, not just on Diversity Sunday, but every day. For more information on the United Church of Christ and what it means to be an Open and Affirming congregation, visit www.ucc.org

The Community United Church is an open and affirming congregation and is a member of United Church of Christ and Church of the Brethren denomination. . At 1011 W 38th St. in Erie. Services are Sunday at 11am. (814) 864-4429. The pastor is Richard A. Moyer and his assistant is Dr. Richard McCarty. Website is http://communityunitedchurchoferiepa.weebly.com/