Diversity of Opinion
[Every member in the community] will strive as far as possible to avoid diversity of opinion, even in matters where permitted. No one should obstinately hold on to his opinion to the detriment of charity. (OOCC, VIII, p. 326; SD, p. 70)
According to St. Vincent Pallotti, it is important that there is unity at every level in order for a community to remain strong and function well. This point becomes clear if one looks at the early Christian community. The characteristic mark of the early Christian community is the living of the members “having one mind and one heart.” “Having one mind” refers to the unity of thinking. When all think alike, there is perfect agreement despite the differences among the members. “Having one heart” refers to similar sentiments, feelings and attitudes prevailing among the members notwithstanding the natural differences that may exist in the community. The early Christian community was able to withstand persecutions and other difficulties that arose in the community only because the members of the community lived a life characterized by “having one mind and one heart.” Therefore, for Vincent, the religious communities must cultivate in the members a sense of unity in the levels of thinking, feeling, and attitudes. For this reason, the members must avoid diversity of opinions as much as possible, even in matters where diversity can be permitted. St. Vincent wants the members of his Society to not obstinately hold onto their opinions that do not facilitate the living of the commandment of love, thereby creating divisions within the community,. Though St. Vincent is never against diversity in the community, he stresses the unity dimension of the community which is vital for the true health of the community.
Does the spirit of one mind and one heart prevail in my community? Is there unity in the thinking, feeling and attitudes of my community? Do I hold on to unwanted diversity in my community? Do I hold on to obstinate opinions, thereby causing division within the community? Do I believe unity is vital for my community’s true health?
Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. (Ps. 133: 1)