Rt. Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde emphasizes the importance of unity in her address, describing it as a fundamental requirement for living freely in a diverse society. She contrasts true unity with conformity or partisanship, arguing that it requires mutual respect, care, and the ability to accept different perspectives. Budde also highlights the sacrificial nature of unity, akin to love, and urges individuals to embody this spirit in their communities. Drawing inspiration from Jesus's teachings, she calls for love extends even to adversaries, reflecting a compassionate and inclusive approach to societal interaction.
Unity is not conformity. It is not victory. It is not polite weariness or passive passivity born of exhaustion. Unity is not partisan, rather it is a way of being with one another.
For unity at times is sacrificial in the way that love is sacrificial, a giving of ourselves for the sake of another.
In his sermon on the mount, Jesus of Nazareth exhorts us to love, not only our neighbors, but to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us.
Those across our country who dedicate their lives or who volunteer to help others in times of natural disaster, never ask those they are helping for whom they voted in a past election.
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