Father Peter Maher was parish priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church Newtown in Sydney's inner west for twenty plus years.  At his Thanksgiving Mass on Retirement just a few days ago, his homily was a beautiful tribute to the inclusive community that has been built at that parish and his thanks to all in the community.  He talked about the growth in awareness of ways in which we discriminate, or "othering", seeing those who are not part of the dominant group as "other" - to use Mikulich's story line, as Muslim, farmer, African American, Jew.  And as Fr. Peter says:  "These and many more are not the "other" to be feared and kept at arm's length, but people to be included and honoured and valued as sisters and brothers."

It is well worth reading to see what can be done in a parish community when this "othering" is recognized and addressed as part of the faith journey.  The homily is here:  http://newtownfaith.blogspot.com.au