Supporting diversity without fear

Hearing from each of these individuals certainly enhanced my empathy for those in the community who have different stories to tell, as I think it did for most spiritual carers at the conference.

The brotherly regard that can be offered in the supermarket, on social media or in the sickroom might best follow the principles of interfaith dialogue: to love our neighbor, regardless of their faith practices (or culture… race…gender, etc.), and to build not just tolerant relationships, but respectful ones.

It's natural to bring brotherly love to every exchange, and there's growing evidence that says doing so is good for our individual and community health.

What helps me embrace diversity in human affairs, is to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of our one divine Spirit, not formed after the pattern of mortal personality, passion and tribalism.

Divine qualities and ideas are as infinite as their divine Source and so it stands to reason that they can be expressed in an endless variety of ways; yet never deviating from Spirit's pure and good nature. In fact, we can't help but express kindness, forgiveness and respect to everyone, as we learn each individual uniquely reflects divine Love itself. And governed by this Love as spiritual carers, we aren't just safe in relation to one another; we can welcome ever more constructive and beautiful relationships with a broader array of fellow citizens.