Intentional communities

...because I'm moderate in many respects and have the same reaction to "liberalism" that many Republicans do. I admire my friends with a more socialist take on things but I'm one of those soccer-mom-independents in the middle. I am definitely an advocate for progressive causes on education, peace, environment but I also believe that the best way to bring this country together is to help channel faith into the public spotlight as an imperative for social change. This makes me something "other" to both the Christian right and to the secular left.

My identity as a liberal Christian--that is, I accept Christ as my savior but believe that all paths to God are valid and important--is completely distinct from my identity as a progressive-centrist voter. Yet the two roles inform each other. As a journalist, I'm committed to helping our community reach out to the world at large. But one cause that's difficult for the left to engage is protecting the concerns of the small business in the shadow of corporate behemothism and promoting business ethics. Another cause that's difficult for the left to engage is solving the problem of health care in a capitalistic society. It is one thing to advocate the ideal of universal health care, but how can we help inform policymakers on real, practical solutions that are grounded in scripture, ours or of others?

These are just some of the things that spring to mind. I'm a member of an "intentional community" of women discerning a call, as I am, or already in ministry, and it strikes me that intentional communities are people gathering together to provide support and wisdom for one another. We can do that for each other, but that's only a part of the mission I think we are called to fulfill.

"Liberal Christian intentional community" sounds to me like an oxymoron.
I would see talking only to people who agree with me as undesirable. As a curious, thoughtful person interested in change, it would go against all my intellectual and political impulses. As a Christian it might be comfortable but it would go against my understanding of the the kingdom of God and the priesthood of all believers.
Do you know of such a group? Are you positing formation of one?
Chris G.