The Christian church insists on its defensive posture,
on its rectitude, and holy separation from the world,
and from those whose ideas vary in detail from its own.
Yet this is a denial of the inclusiveness of its creator
and the all-embracing love of God.

As inheritors of that divisive message
we endorse and proclaim the priestly position
We cry "crucify", and destroy those in opposition.
We claim victory over sin, the world and the Devil.
We proclaim conquest instead of service.

The formulae for gang membership
are spelt out in liturgical creeds
and trumpeted in triumphant song,
the victory call of the militant church.

Yet Christ came to serve, not to be served.
Jesus rejected the trappings of power
the role of host at the heavenly banquet.
He rode a donkey not a charger.

Is it too costly to challenge conformity
and speak of truth rather than invention?
Dare we leave the supportive Christian gang
and hope to find fellowship elsewhere?
It is what Jesus did, and
look where it got him!
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