A regular feature in many church services is what is called ‘the passing of the peace’ when people are invited to turn to others and say: ‘Peace be with you.’ Friends leave their pews to greet one another and newcomers are warmly welcomed. However, one American congregation reported that its pastor had received a letter from a young lawyer who said: ‘I am writing to complain about the ritual known as ‘passing the peace.’ It is an invasion of my privacy and I am prepared to take legal action to cause this practice to cease.’
The pastor’s response, however, was right on target. He said: ‘Like it or not, the church is, and will continue to be a place where you never know when Jesus Christ will intrude on you with a word of peace.’ And that’s something that will never change.