It is not sado-masochistic, because it is not suffering for the sake of suffering. And yes, you are right, that Buddha teaches we should rise above suffering, like a lotus floating on a pond. Our image is the Cross, where Jesus willingly entered into suffering for the good of others. Christians are supposed to follow Jesus.
Seeking peace requires us to willingly entering into suffering. It is fairly easy to avoid the conflict of the debate, but if we do the conflict will go on. Entering in, we open our selves to be injured by others. Christians should be willing to do this. We seek peace, entering into that risk, to serve the common good.
Honestly, and you know this, the origins debate is easy. It is all the other conflicts in society that are harder. There is risk here, but we are willing to pay costs to do what is right to serve others.