Respect for diversity is a central requirement for the peace and unity of the church. Whether individual or corporate, the right of private judgment is a necessary one. It includes the right to be wrong. . . . The church protects its own minority point of view as if it were protecting its future, recognizing that the dissenter may well represent the will of God. . . . There are times when delay is a valuable way of avoiding premature decisions, especially when the minority position is held by a fairly large number of people. . . .
Mutual forbearance is to be exercised by individuals within the church toward one another.
Forbearance is willingness to accept other people in the church who do not share our own ideas. To exercise forbearance is to accept diversity with gratitude for those who differ and willingness to remain in conversation with people whose perspective may disturb us. . . . When an attempt is made to force consensus before the time is right, the impatience of those who demand premature action may produce a lack of proper attention to the convictions of a large minority. Such a lack is one which produces ill will and potential for schism. . . . When a very close majority vote is taken on an issue of importance, the result is often troubling.