God's Tapestry: Understanding and Celebrating Differences

by William M. Kondrath

Our differences are our greatest blessings and our greatest challenges, maintains William Kondrath, Episcopal priest and seminary professor. Theologically and ecologically, differences foster life and growth, but discord within denominations and congregations frequently have to do with the inability of individuals and groups to deeply understand and value differences. In God's Tapestry, Kondrath shows us how to embrace our multiculturalism--our differences of race, culture, gender, age, theology, language, sexual identity, and so forth. He does this by exploring differences on four levels--personal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural. He also demonstrates a threefold process for becoming recognizing our differences, understanding those differences and their significance and consequences, and valuing or celebrating those differences. While ministry is the work of the faith community, not only ordained or professional staff, it is critical that leaders learn the art and skill of recognizing, understanding, and valuing differences. Then the congregations and agencies they serve, having learned and practiced the art and skill of celebrating differences, can be the yeast that brings this awareness of God's diverse blessings to the wider world.

285 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book looking at both the psychological, social, and spiritual underpinnings of racism, homophobia, and sexism. Knodrath provides tools for recognizing when someone is acting out of a fear or a real oppression and how to foster a safe community for the nourishment of all.

[Tom Buratovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good for learning about multi-cultural perspectives.