How to Turn ANY Disagreement into a Nasty Fight at Your Congregation (Article)
Ian S. Evison, Author.  2005.

This web article from Ian Evison (Congregational Services Director of the Central Midwest UUA), sheds light on the factors that cause congregational conflicts to escalate.

In an ironic tone somewhat reminiscent of C.S Lewis's The Screwtape Letters, Evison advises readers on how to create nasty fights out of virtually any disagreement. Included is advice on presenting ideas without context, using instruments (such as surveys) that allow people to avoid communicating directly, presenting opposing points of view as global generalizations, holding meetings in inhospitable settings, and finding nothing in the other side's perspective that you can affirm. As the final coup de grace, the author suggests that congregants might "expect the clergy to make everyone happy."

Here is a profound reflection on what adds fuel to the fire of congregational conflicts, stated in a concise and humorous vein.
 

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