Not much has changed since the last century. We may be a bit more sophisticated in dealing with enemies but it remains hard to work toward the destruction of others without first depersonalizing them. In the church we call the others "conservatives" or "liberals" and more recently "plaintiff" or "defendant." It may be less crude but it can be as violent and just as effective.

I recently received a number of calls concerning a decision by the Presiding Bishop and the provisional bishop of South Carolina to inhibit the ministry of retired South Carolina Suffragan Bishop William Skilton. Questioned was the timing and the necessity for such a dramatic decision. There was something oddly bizarre in a letter from vonRosenberg which stated, "In my judgment it is not in the best interest of anyone on either or both sides of the controversy for ordained people to encourage or promote confusion-except, of course, where it is in the best interest of those who benefit from such confusion." I am confused as to what constitutes promoting and encouraging confusion. Bishop Skilton has been clear with his colleagues in the House of Bishops concerning his intentions in South Carolina. His love and compassion for all has remained clear regardless of the jurisdiction they embrace.

What is now sadly evident from the Episcopal Church is the level to which we have sunk when a godly and decent Bishop seeks to foster reconciliation in ways other than litigation and is regarded as being dangerous and encouraging confusion.

I have observed that under the current presiding bishop whenever something appears heavy handed it comes from one of two possible reasons. The first is financial and the other is a perceived obstacle to the Episcopal Church's legal strategy. In this case I suspect it is the latter.

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Some months ago I wrote that while I no longer believe in happy endings I do believe in redemption. So in this season as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus perhaps it is time to offer a symbol of hope rather than add to the insanity of the world.

No matter which side you support whether in South Carolina or throughout the wider church look around to see who is no longer present in your worshipping community and may no longer feel welcome in the parish of their ancestors. For a brief moment set aside differences and think how it must feel to no longer worship in a place where family weddings occurred, children baptized, and loved ones buried. Give them a call and tell them you miss them and are truly sorry that we have arrived at the place where we are now.

Avoid placing blame or trying to solve the issues as it will only lead to further alienation.

This fight will someday end and we will be left with the community that we have created. I do not know what the world will look like in a hundred years or if our current church division will be no more than an obscure footnote. I would like to think that when those of that future time look back they might remember a group of South Carolina Christians who paused briefly one Christmas in the midst of insanity to set aside differences and reach out to one another in the spirit of the season. In doing so an example of the Gospel is modeled to a desperately needful world in the midst of chaos and confusion. I even dare to hope that it might even be remembered as the "Christmas Truce of 2014."

So blessed are the peacemakers no matter how much confusion they may cause.

And a Merry Christmas to all!

Ladson F. Mills III is a retired priest with over thirty years pastoral experience. He lives with his wife in South Carolina. He currently serves as Scholar in Residence at the Church of Our Saviour, Johns Island. He is a regular contributor to "Virtueoneline."