Coping with Crossflow in Congregational Politics by Roger Christan Schriner

A few months ago, I posted about using the analogy of traffic “crossflow,” to change our thinking about the process of gaining full inclusion in our congregations. In driving from point A to point B, we need to cope with crossflow -- traffic flowing from the opposite direction and from either side. If we acknowledge that we’ll need to deal with these impediments, we are less likely to become frustrated.

Encouraging a UU congregation to become more accessible is a journey from point A, the status quo, to point B, fully equal access. The question is not, “Will there be crossflow,” but “How shall I cope with inevitable glitches and obstacles? Here are some suggestions about dealing with institutional issues and power dynamics in promoting equal access:

1. Be realistic about how long it will take to get from A to B. Is this a congregation that usually moves quickly or slowly? Is leadership pro-active or passive? Clearly focused or distracted and confused? Is change typically welcomed or resisted?

2. Identify individual(s) or group(s) resisting your initiative. Is it possible that most people agree with you, but are passively acquiescing to the objections of a vocal minority? If so, how could you encourage those silent voices to speak up? Who could help you mobilize those who have been passive?

3. Are people in favor of your general idea but unclear about how to proceed? Give them two or three specific alternatives to consider.

Notice that I deliberately used the hated word, “politics” in titling this article. Politics has gotten a bad rap because our government has become so dysfunctional, but I still remember my political science teacher’s comment that “politics is the art of the possible.” It is the art of making decisions in groups, blending diverse interests and opinions to achieve common goals. In this sense, congregations are political organizations, and congregational leaders must be good politicians.

Although congregational decision-making can be a rather cumbersome process, I believe that our little corner of the universe tends to “bend toward justice.” But justice seldom materializes without effort. It takes time, energy, and creativity, coping with crossflow.