Unity, Not Uniformity

One of the terms I learned in my theological education is "unity in diversity, expressed in community." The term expresses the idea of oneness that embraces differences. In this way of living, differences are viewed as strengths that contribute to enriched life in community with one another. The term is used describe the pattern of relationship in the Godhead as the Three-in-One, in marriage in which the two become one, and in the church as the body of Christ. 

This concept underlies the Apostle Paul's description of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. Those individual, diverse gifts are like the different parts of the body. They are what allow the body to function. The concept is also reflected in Ephesians 4:1-16. Verses 1-6 emphasize unity with the central exhortation being to make every effort to maintain or protect the unity the Spirit gives. Verses 7-16 then focus on five leadership gifts that are used to equip the followers of Jesus to do the work of ministry. This pattern of church life results in a healthy vibrancy that leads to unity and spiritual maturity among the members.

Unity in diversity is a spiritual pattern that reflects the nature of the Godhead.

Sadly, unity that embraces diversity as a gift is not a pattern that is inherent to our human nature. Our default pattern is to segregate ourselves into groups, associating with those like us and avoiding those who are different ... that "birds of a feather" thing. This pattern, rooted in fear, views differences as a threat. It is dependent on uniformity - being alike, thinking alike.

Uniformity is not unity. Uniformity does not produce authentic community.

This human pattern that depends on uniformity often invades the life of the church. We group with those like us. And we allow differences to divide us. We look for uniformity of beliefs, practices, behavior, organization. Examples abound. One group views the Bible as infallible and reads it literally; another uses the best scholarship to interpret it as an ancient, Near Eastern book written from a pre-scientific perspective. One group baptizes by immersion; another baptizes by sprinkling. One group builds worship around an organ and a choir; another around a band with guitars and drums; another uses no instruments at all. One group is led by a group of elders; another is democratic in its functioning. You get the point.

When churches build their lives upon uniformity instead of the unity of the Spirit, they ...

• duplicate the ways of the world;
• deny their calling to live and reflect the ways of God;
• rob themselves of the gifts diversity brings;
• limit their spiritual development; 
• weaken their community life; 
• hinder their witness; 
• rob the body of spiritual vitality and health;
• guarantee the stagnation of their group by excluding anyone who is "different."

In addition, living out of uniformity - being in agreement - sets the stage for the next conflict, the next issue over which to disagree and divide.

As we United Methodists consider the report of The Commission on a Way Forward, we are wrestling with the issues of unity and uniformity. Some value uniformity over unity. They insist on uniformity of belief as the basis for living in community. Some of these have drawn a line in the sand, indicating they will leave and create a new Wesleyan denomination if the current position on homosexuality is changed. Others believe we can live and work together for the sake of the Kingdom, even if we do not all agree on this one issue. They (including me) value unity over uniformity.

Perhaps it would be helpful to remember the words of John Wesley from whose ministry the original Wesleyan movement began. In his sermon entitled "A Catholic Spirit," Wesley asked, "Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?" In that same sermon, he went on to say, "If your heart is as my heart - if you love God and all mankind, I ask no more - give me your hand." Wesley is also credited with a saying that originally came from Thomas a Kempis and was a part of the Moravian movement that helped shape Wesley:
"In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity (love)." For Wesley, a common commitment to love God and others (the heart) was the grounds of relationship, not agreement. Love, not agreement, was the determining factor in relating to one another.

Or better, perhaps it would be helpful to remember the words of scripture: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:2-6, NRSV).

Unity in diversity. It's a spiritual pattern - God's way of living in relationship. It produces genuine community that is healthy and vibrant. It leads to spiritual maturity as the body builds itself up in love.