Opponents gradually become enemies. In such struggles the first victim, as in any war, is truth. People bear false witness against their neighbors, stereotyping them and invoking half truths and innuendo. Simplistic slogans replace careful analysis. Civility is exiled.
Truth is crucified.
All that counts is winning or losing. I have already referred to the ecclesiastical issues around which these tribal battles are publicly fought. There are other reasons for our turmoil in our society and in our Church which I will not go into, which means that in one sense, these issues around which we struggle are symptomatic of some very deep currents in our society which need to be addressed. Everywhere we look in the Church, there seems to be diversity and the search for unity. What I want to do in the remainder of the time that I have is to suggest three theological principles that might be of assistance.