Naomi’s Insight:
I work for an international NGO, dealing with the the resolution of political, cultural and religious conflict around the world. In the frequently tense negotiations which characterise my work, it is very important to be seen as impartial. It is therefore advantageous not to share a faith with any of the often many factions involved in each dispute. I am frequently asked my religion during arbitration meetings, which until now has been problematic. If I state that I follow a faith that has no relevance to each specific combination of attendant groups, this can help. However if I keep changing my doctrine for subsequent assignments, this may become known to the parties, resulting in a serious loss of credibility.
Declaring myself as an equivocant of Ecumenical Relativism has recently solved this problem entirely. I can now say that I am not allowed by my religion to criticise or deny their faith, only their actions, which puts me in a strong and consistent moral position. Also stating that I follow a creed that they have never heard of puts them on the back foot, which provides me an opportunity to seize the initiative in negotiation.