Creative Minorities

Pope Benedict, in speaking recently with Catholics in the Czech Republic, observed ' ... creative minorities determine the future.'

As I ponder this observation, I reflect on the effects of pressure groups like unions or perceived 'radicals' like Greenpeace, who pursue a particular and just cause. Then I consider a quieter group of people, like a team of scientists, gently pursuing an important aim that might, for example, lead to a cure for a particular disease

In considering the human condition, I wonder if each of us has a 'creative minority' and whether and how, we allow it to grow.

Focusing on educational settings led me to think immediately about staff meetings and the bubbling minorities pressing for change, or students belonging to student representative councils seeking more free clothes days or wider subject selection choice.

As leaders and 'contemplatives in action', how do we nurture the creative minorities in ourselves and in the communities we serve? How do we respond to those that emerge despite us?