My mediation practice is located in Maryland. Here, as is everywhere else, a house of God is not always a house of peace. Accommodating many perspectives, or the various points of view found in a group is always a challenge.
In my Maryland mediation practice, among other disputes, I assist religious groups, for example, clergy, teachers, choirs, clubs, administrators, and congregants who are in conflict. I assist them to identify issues relevant to their disputes, negotiate, and structure workable solutions which address the issues.
Quite some time ago a group of similar minded folks broke away from their traditional houses of worship and founded their own worship group. While the new group remained relatively small, that is, only the founding members, there were not many disagreements about the organizational structure and ritual practices. However, over time the group grew in number. While the membership shared core beliefs, they differed regarding ritual practices.
The larger group or congregation contained members with different needs, ideas, and opinions regarding rituals and worship. The congregation had formal methods to constructively address congregational issues about which congregants were in conflict. However, the formal methods left some congregants with hurt feelings. In frustration, some people spoke of breaking off from the larger group. Though they had always been active in the congregation they were no longer comfortable with the larger congregation.Mediation was the option chosen by the congregation to assist with the differences of opinion and communication difficulties. Mediation provided a safe, environment for all who chose to participate to voice their opinions, be treated with dignity and respect, and to negotiate the options available to the group.
