Coalition or Compromise?
Coalition has been used, recently, as a dirty word by many journalists (along with other words like proportion, balance and honesty). It’s Pentecost, or very nearly, as I write and certainly will be when you read this. As the early church, itself a coalition, waited in anticipation and obedience for the gift of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised, there was a sense of togetherness.
For a coalition to work there needs to be the willingness, at times, to give ground on some opinions or positions for a greater good. It is in this greater good that unity and togetherness is found. Our country faces large problems both socially and economically.
Similarly, Christians face enormous challenges in society not least being pushed to the margins. Togetherness has never been more important for the Christian message and mission.
We hold many different positions within the church both nationally and locally. We disagree from time to time but as we cry out to God for our nation, for our city and communities, let’s also ask God to give us the discernment to know when we are justly standing our ground or merely standing in the way of something greater.