In every culture there are persons who fill the position of community elders. These are men and women whose wisdom, generosity of spirit, wide concern, and inclusive love equip them to care for people beyond their kith and kin.

Their goal is not just the well-being of their family and friends; they want the global community to prosper and do well. Ideally, our religious communities should be full of such people, inspiring and equipping others to expand their world-view.

Instead, religion has too often narrowed our affections and dampened our global concerns.

from If the Church Were Christian