Coming to a place of candour

Where beliefs and creeds confer;

We will not react with anger,

Nor tell others where they err.

Can we speak of faith and doctrine?

Can we listen - really hear?�As we meet can we imagine

That new insights may appear?

When we hear some diff’rent teaching,

When we try to understand,

Different faiths can be disturbing,

And can question where we stand;

We need not forsake devotion,

If it’s God whom we adore;

But we can share inspiration;

We can question and explore.

We can pledge to be accepting;

Put behind us lack of trust;

We can practise understanding:

Shun rebuke that is unjust.

If we can affirm each other,

Be as friend and not as foe,

We can meet and share together;

Plant respect and let it grow.

​

George Stuart