Gangs and groups: Us and them!

I have attended yet another church leaders meeting where the familiar terms "us" and "them" were used to separate that which God has made one! What is it that drives this fear of others? Is it ignorance? Loss of power? Need for control? I think it is all of these and more!

The church that I have served for a number of years seems intent on stopping people discover unity. All that we want is people who agree with us and are willing to be subservient. Any differences are ascribed to the need for them to change and adopt my way of thinking.

The meeting in question allowed one of the members to express concern about people of another colour who, to quote this leader, "if they are not led gently will come and take it". After questions for clarity I never really managed to discover what "it" is!

The church too often reflects the principles of gangs that are threatened by those outside instead of excited about discovering the richness of our unity in diversity. Lord, help us.