"I don’t want to mistake mere opposition for persecution. Nor do I want to harbor a persecution complex born out of my own arrogance, rudeness, stubbornness, or self-righteousness.  The only good I can see in persecution is if it means I am joining Jesus more deeply in his righteousness."

"The Church is not for ready-made saints. The Church is for sinners, doubters, half-brewed Christians, conversions-in-process, tipsy wagon-riders who tumble off and climb back on again."

“The doctrine of the imago Dei, that human beings are created in the “image and likeness of God,” is central to Christian life and practice and touches, perhaps even helps to form, every other doctrine of the Christian faith in one way or another.”

“It is a core part of our mission to offer thoughts and prayers. But our prayers must include confession and the promise of repentance, hope and the plea for strength to do what is right, a calling to account of those in power-- especially when we hold power ourselves -- and the admonition of evil and yearning for the kingdom of God.”

"We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure, but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of this world. To make injustice the only measure of our attention is to praise the Devil."