A Handful of Essays on Unity and Diversity

Unity and Diversity is the theme of the latest edition of Oneing journal, published twice a year by the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque. The topic is more relevant than ever, in the wake of nearly 2,000 tragic mass shootings (many of which qualify as hate crimes) that have occurred in our country in less than a decade.

Here are a few excerpts from  Oneing,Volume 6, No. 2, including articles by people I know and respect: Richard Rohr,  Joan Brown and  John Dear.  I also had the privilege to write a piece for this edition of Oneing.

Today we see unabashed racism, classism, and sexism return to America at the highest levels of our government. White privilege is back in charge and the outcry is faint.  -Richard Rohr (Introduction)

Every one of us--every human being, every drop of water, every molecule, every bird, each grain of sand, and each mountain, is distinct or different. Each is a unique manifestation of Divine Love Energy. The universe thrives upon, and cannot exist without, diversity.  Joan Brown OSF  (Embracing Diversity through the Cosmic Principles)


If every human being is our very sister or brother, we would not dare hurt anyone, much less sit back silently or passively in the face of global suffering, endless wars, poverty, and killing. Neither can we ignore the millions of creatures going extinct because of our system of violence or remain indifferent in the face of systemic greed and the potential for environmental destruction from nuclear weapons. Knowing our oneness with creation, we would never harm Mother Earth or passively sit back while others unearth fossil fuels, heedless of the consequences of climate change. John Dear (Unity and Diversity in the Land of Nonviolence)


The mandate for individuals to come together to act to end hunger and care for those who lack basic necessities is found in our holy scriptures and in the words of important figures across faith traditions. In almost all religious traditions, the connection between our relationship with God and with our neighbor is at the core of our beliefs.   Carlos Navarro (Finding Collaborative Unity on the Issue of Hunger)


God has an incredible sense of humor. Paradoxically, we are each a unique creation, expected to love another across our differences. No two people are identical This seems to be the most difficult challenge to embrace, yet it can yield the most beneficial lessons.  Polly Baca. (My Challenging Journey from Diversity to Unity)

These are just five of the 16 authors with pieces in this edition of Oneing.  If you want to order a copy of the journal, please visit the CAC's online bookstore.