EQUITY AND DIVERSE UNITY
New Wine pursues diverse unity. We long for unity that does not discount or suppress diversity, but celebrates it. We also long for diversity that does not undermine or eradicate unity, but champions it. What kind of diverse unity are we talking about? The kind that reflects our triune God’s being and ways, as our homepage states: “New Wine, New Wineskins exists to mobilize local churches and other Christian organizations to share effectively the good news of the Father, Son and Spirit’s just love and peace, foster meaningful dialogue with diverse communities, and identify and serve marginalized populations against the backdrop of increasing cultural divisions.” Efforts to “identify and serve marginalized populations” involve rigorous attempts in listening to, learning from, and partnering with them in whatever ways possible. It is not enough to foster equality, but equity that honors undervalued and underserved people. While it is not always the case that interaction and dialogue will lead to resolution of all tensions, we seek to transform conflicts in service to the common good through and for the highest good. As our mission states, we give ourselves to “transforming the church’s conflicts, both within the church and with the surrounding culture, into opportunities for unity through the Triune God’s grace and truth.”
Race, Ethnicity, & Socieconomics
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) Unfortunately, present reality, including our churches, hardly reflect these words.
Sex, Sexuality, & Gender
Theological, social, and biological notions of gender and sexual identity are now more than ever at the forefront of deeply needed conversations. An overwhelming amount of information can combine with flaring tempers, making this an especially hard discussion to follow.
Disabilities
New Wine leaders Trudi and James Sang serve as catalysts for New Wine’s connection to the disability community. The aims in this domain are as follows: bring awareness of the disabilities that are in all communities; bring understanding to those dealing with disabilities; offer sincere hospitality to those dealing with disabilities; bring value to all that are challenged with disabilities as people with purpose and contribution to the community; and to advocate for the needs of those with disabilities.