What does “Beloved Community” Really Mean in Practice?

Perhaps the concept that most easily leads us to compassion is Beloved Community.  That community is not just on the street where we live, or for the people whose lives are just like our own, or come from the same culture, or hold the same beliefs, values or lifestyle. It really means everyone, absolutely everyone.

That means we work to help people meet their basic needs for safe shelter, food, work, education, health, and healthy relationships. We learn to treat those we help with kindness even when they are not likely to return it to us. We also need to listen to what they say they need--and not forge ahead with what we think they should do or have.

Compassion means we work to break down barriers caused by perceived differences like race, immigration status, economic status, and education. At Peoples we have a long history of supporting those who are marginalized and unwelcome in many other spaces. For example, we have long been a “Welcoming Congregation” for members of the LGBTQ+ community. We show that welcome in many ways and will soon be adding a sign to the front of our building with the flag that proudly demonstrates our commitment to a group of people who are among those currently being scapegoated.

There is much work to be done in our fight for a more just world.  As our new church year gets under way, please consider joining our team, attending Sunday Forums, and joining into church initiatives. It takes all of us to make the world a better place.

by Clarice Krippner and Laura McGraw