John Chuchman: I year for church that is..."

I yearn for church

    that is not an enclosure for the virtuous,

but more an oasis for the weary and downtrodden;
    not an experience of exclusion and elitism,

but more an encounter of radical love, inclusiveness and solidarity;
    not with an attitude of we are right and you are wrong,

but more with an attitude of openness to truth

wherever and whoever it is to be found;

not a bastion of unchangeable doctrine and dogma,

but a source of inspiration and exploration;
    not with a leadership of control and clericalism,

but more of a humble service exemplified by Jesus;
    not using a language of condemnation,

but more with a language of affirmation and compassion;

and
    not preoccupied with its own maintenance and prestige,

but more with a concern for the People of God,

all of us.