Authoritarians divide the people. We can't make the same mistake Rev. Don Heath

Editor's note: As part of our commitment to foster civil conversations in Viewpoints, we're inviting faith leaders to submit edited versions of their homilies that transcend religion, with messages that can appeal to people of all faith traditions.

In Christ there is neither Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female. That is one of the most powerful verses that the apostle Paul has ever written. It has haunted us throughout history. Revolutionary forces have used it as a slogan. It is one of those phrases like, “All men are created equal.” It inspires us. It is a goal we have striven for, but we have fallen short of it

Unfortunately, the early church soon turned away from this radical creed. Wives were encouraged to submit to their husbands, slaves to their masters, and Jews were cal