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A recent study published by the Religion and Social Change Lab of Duke Divinity School reported that our congregations within The United Methodist Church in North Carolina are theologically and politically diverse, thus creating a “purple church” which reflects our deep diversity. However, the study also painted a picture of the hopeful future that our diversity presents, as stated in the following:
Mainline protestant churches, like those in the UMC and PCUSA remain some of the very few institutions in American society where people from different political persuasions can build deep and meaningful relationships with each other. In a polarized and often toxic political climate, our congregations are positioned to advance the ministry of Jesus by creating a beloved community that bridges political and theological divides.
The months surrounding the upcoming elections this fall present a ripe opportunity for our faithful witness as Christians in how we build these deep and meaningful relationships that shape the Beloved Community in the face of political and theological divides.
To help build these communities of shalom where all people are of sacred worth, safe, and growing toward spiritual, physical, and emotional wholeness, the Peace Building Ministries of the Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC offers the Purple Church Initiative.
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