And the variance which is to be found among people is simply the elements of a finely woven texture of humanity. Diversity means reciprocal enrichment. But it requires mutual acceptance and understanding. It also means that we have to allow room for the variance to express itself within our family within the unity of the Adventist faith which binds us together. I suppose that what I am appealing for is that we be more ready to accept one another, and less inclined to be overly opinionated as we look across the boundaries of cultures and ethnicity, and that we be less judgmental in terms of my culture and where I come from.
Unity is both fragile and strong.
Unity is fragile in that it will not survive compromises for the sake of convenience. It cannot survive adjustments of principles to accommodate the secular society. If that happens, fragmentation inevitably sets in. But where loyalty to Christ and respect for fundamental principles are protected, unity is strong enough to constructively receive differences and diversities within the family, and it is strong enough to survive whatever the challenges and no matter how rough the road ahead is. Unity is Christ s gift to the Church.