April 1, 2006
No Fooling

Had a day of prayer this morning with
a few Friends of the Consortium. I spoke a bit
about discerning God's will--this is for individuals
but also for groups. A group discernment moving toward consensus
can be quite different from a democratic election. Group
discernment, as I understand it, seeks to avoid having
winners and losers. Rather it emphasizes praying for the guidance of the
Spirit--and accepting that guidance through the group consensus. It also focuses
more on the gifts which fulfill the present needs of the community.

A form of this model has been adopted by the World Council of Churches.
It will be interesting to see how this will work.

Drinking coffee as always.

John