When Our Views Are Varied

This song is a prayer for the church when disagreements run deep and people feel threatened by difference. It names the harm caused by prejudice and division, and re-centres us on Christ’s reign, justice for those who are hurting, and the gift of diversity in the body of Christ. It works well in services focused on unity-in-difference, during difficult church conversations, synods or councils, or whenever communities need to seek forgiveness and choose love over being “right”.

When our views are varied
and emotions strong,
when belief feels threatened,
claiming others wrong;
show us how to listen
and to not accuse,
open and respectful
to each other’s views.

If we let division
distract from Christ’s reign,
we neglect our calling
to aid those in pain:
Justice must speak louder
than our claims to right;
love must be our essence,
living in the light.

God, forgive your people
in our broken state;
we your church have fostered
prejudice and hate.
Let us embrace difference
in our unity;
for the church is richer
with diversity.

Through a dim-lit mirror,
partial truth we know
and as we discover,
grace and love must grow.
Let God’s truth shine brighter
into every place
till we know completely
and see face to face.

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