He drew a circle that shut me out —

Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.

But love and I had the wit to win:

We drew a circle that took him in. — Edwin Markham, American poet (1852-1940)

Reflect on these questions for your journal: Whom do I include or exclude from my community? Why? Could that exclusion be understood as holding some ideas or beliefs as "orthodox?"

Invite a congregational group of which you are a part to listen to Sweet Honey in the Rock's song "Would you Harbor Me?" and consider the ways in which you are willing to include others. What limits do you place on your willingness to harbor others? Are these limits based on fear of difference? Are there ways to be more inclusive?