People are buried in ways that shroud death with euphemism and ornate furnishings. Institutions hide away the mentally ill and criminal offenders in a continuing denial that they belong to the human family. Even our daily customs lead us to cloak our feelings and speak politely through clenched teeth and prevent honest, healing confrontation. Friendships become superficial and temporary.
The Church is not exempt from this truth as they hideaway elderly and the disabled into segregated gatherings or seating, distancing themselves from inclusive participation or relational engagement with words like “affiliation”.
