I do not remember who introduced me to Jean Vanier and his inspiring book Community and Growth. It may have been Jim Fenhagen, the Dean of General Seminary. It does not matter, I am exceedingly grateful, for Vanier's book has been part of my life and ministry for the past twenty-three years. Vanier was the founder of the L'Arche Community, whose mission states that they "bear witness to the reality that persons with intellectual disabilities possess inherent qualities of welcome, wonderment, spirituality, and friendship. We make explicit the dignity of every human being by building inclusive communities of faith and friendship where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together."
The quote below speaks volumes to the issues facing many of our churches, denominations and institutions today. Please read it carefully. Share it with others. Demand more from your leaders at judicatory, parish, and local levels. Vanier was on to something - so was Christ - so should we.
Breaking Down Barriers
Jean Vanier
The fundamental attitudes of true community, where there is true belonging, are openness, welcome, and listening to God, to the universe, to each other and to other communities. Community life is inspired by the universal and is open to the universal. It is based on forgiveness and openness to those who are different, to the poor and the weak. Sects put up walls and barriers out of fear, out of a need to prove themselves and to create a false security. Community is the breaking down of barriers to welcome difference.
Source: Community and Growth
Love One Another - Brian
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