In these times when divisions seem to multiply, we receive news that refreshes the soul and reminds us of the essential calling of our faith: unity in love. Recently, the mayor of Jerez de la Frontera, María José García-Pelayo, received a special distinction for her work in favor of coexistence among different expressions of the Christian faith. This recognition, granted by an evangelical publication, invites us to reflect on how we can build bridges instead of walls.
The Value of Acknowledging Others
When someone from outside our community recognizes and values our work, the impact is profound. The Bible reminds us in Romans 12:10 (NIV): "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." This principle is not limited only to those who share our denomination, but extends to all those who, from different traditions, seek to serve God and their neighbor.
The award ceremony took place in the historic Alcázar of Jerez, a space that has witnessed centuries of history and now hosted a significant moment for the local Christian community. Representatives from different churches, community leaders, and municipal authorities gathered to celebrate something that should be normal but still moves us: mutual recognition among brothers and sisters in faith.
The Legacy of Unamuno and Possible Dialogue
The award bears the name of Miguel de Unamuno, that intellectual who maintained a significant relationship with a Protestant pastor during particularly difficult times. His famous phrase "You will win, but you will not convince" still resonates today as a reminder that true victory does not come from imposition, but from respectful dialogue and consistent witness.
Jesus himself taught us about the importance of recognizing good wherever it is found. In Mark 9:38-40 (NIV) we read: "'Teacher,' said John, 'we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.' 'Do not stop him,' Jesus said. 'For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.'"
Building Community Through Diversity
Mayor García-Pelayo, upon receiving this recognition, emphasized the importance of working for "a city of coexistence, diverse and rich in culture." This vision deeply coincides with the biblical teaching about the body of Christ. As 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV) reminds us: "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
In practice, this recognition speaks to something very concrete: the possibility of working together for the common good, respecting our differences but finding meeting points in our service to the community. Churches, regardless of their tradition, have much to contribute to the social fabric: programs to help vulnerable people, spiritual accompaniment, education in values, and that silent but constant testimony that there is something beyond the material.
A Model for Our Communities
This event raises important questions for our community life: How do we receive those who have expressions of faith different from ours? Are we open to recognizing the good that others do, even if we don't share all their theological viewpoints? How can we collaborate on projects that benefit all of society, beyond our differences? The answer, as this example shows us, begins with mutual recognition and the willingness to work together for the common good.
In a world where divisions often seem insurmountable, testimonies like this remind us that Christian unity is not a utopia, but a real possibility when we focus on what unites us rather than what separates us. As followers of Christ, we are called to be bridge builders, promoters of dialogue, and witnesses of a love that transcends all human barriers.
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