Share our concerns directly with individuals or groups with whom we have disagreements in a spirit of love and respect in keeping with Jesus s teachings. Share our personal experiences about the subject of disagreement so that others may more fully understand our concerns. Indicate where we agree with those of other viewpoints as well as where we disagree. Include our disagreements in our prayers, not praying for the triumph of our viewpoints, but seeking God s grace to listen attentively, to speak clearly, and to remain open to the vision God holds for us all. They exist within committees, congregations, presbyteries, synods, at General Assemblies, and in the national life of the denomination.
Conflicts are inevitable in all of life and certainly in the church.
The history of the church is filled with conflicts and disagreements. There have been and are going to be disagreements as Christians attempt to discern God s work in the world and as we interpret Scriptures. Conflicts can be harmful and even destructive. They can cause individuals a great deal of pain and the community of faith immeasurable damage. At the same time, conflicts can be an opportunity for new insights, learning, and individual and corporate growth.