James Baldwin
potential for conflict. Some people are uneasy with conflict and try to avoid
it, but the avoidance of conflict within a group is not necessarily a sound
goal. It is important to remember that the absence of conflict in groups may
not be a sign of peace, sometimes it is an indication of indifference.
As the Parish Pastoral Council or other parish group undertakes some
work, it may be beneficial to consider what potential conflicts are present.
By recognizing these, the Parish Council or other parish group will be able
to deal with the conflicts in constructive ways and be able use the group's
time to address the essential issues.
Sources of Tension within the Individual
Sometimes individuals are reluctant to critique things
that
involve their faith
or parish. They have a sense that if
they say that things are not perfect, then
in some way they
are being disloyal.
This worry about being or appearing to be disloyal may
inhibit them from
making an important observation about
circumstances in the parish.
Sources of Tension within Groups
Differences within the Parish Council and other parish
groups are always
present, and may seem insignificant
until the group is asked to evaluate a
situation, make
choices or determine a course of action. These tasks often
raise the level of tension within the group. The
information gathering, goal
setting and assessing phases
of planning are times that require members of a
group to
take a position and this is when differences may present a
challenge to the workings of the group.
Groups charged with taking action have members with
different
experiences of working on similar projects. People
draw on
their
experiences to decide what actions to take. In terms of the
dynamics of
groups, it is healthy to acknowledge these
differences and work in
constructive ways to resolve
them. The members of the Parish Council and
other
parish groups should not be distressed by these
differences. They
are the result of people with a shared
mission, but with different knowledge
and experiences,
working together. It is important to remember that the
natural tension in groups often produces a more creative
environment.
Creative Tension: Making Peace
with
Imperfection
As the Parish Council or other parish working groups
consider the actions
taken or that need to be taken, they
may come to see that there is a gap
between the present
state of the parish and the desired state. It is
important
that everyone remember that all parish activities are
imperfect
processes and not to become discouraged.
