I just have to wonder when it became okay to try to break a person's spirit in American society today? When did it become an excepted practice to "make examples" out of people? After some experiences over the last several days I'm deeply concerned that this seems to be a standard practice in business today but I see it in other places too. While it is important to make sure people understand what's acceptable and excepted there is a long way to trying to break a person down in front of others to set the example. This is not respect, this is not love. This is not a good way to teach anything. This goes against every aspect of the Divine that is in every living, breathing thing. This world is already hard enough to live in and then we intentional inflict more harm. The other thing that worries me is that often times people watch this sort of thing happen and don't speak truth to the power. Instead of hiding in cubicles, pretending not to hear and see why not say this isn't right? Why not stand with a person instead of sending emails or letting the gossip spread? I pray that I have learned my lesson and pray that society will change and encourage spirit instead of trying to break it.
For years now, I have heard in preaching and clergy circles about being political in sermons; the good, the bad and those who state that church shouldn’t be political. There are workshops, books, and podcasts talking about politics in the church with a variety of opinions. What do people mean when they make the statement that the church shouldn’t be political? The IRS has the most say about the rules for the separation of church and state/politics. If your church wants to be tax exempt, there are rules: don’t endorse any candidate or party, if you allow one party to use your space, other political parties also must be allowed to use the space, etc. The UCC’s general counsel, Heather Kimmell, has a webinar on this topic if you’d like to hear a more detailed explanation which can be found on the UCC’s YouTube channel. Churches have gotten “creative” in how to get around this, often partnering with another non-profit group to give support to a particular group. The UCC is proud to claim...
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