Commentary; Posted: 10/12/05
The changing face of the church union movement
Rev. John C. Blackford,
Religion Columnist
ìWhy are there so many religious denominations?î is often asked, and ìWhy canít there be one Christian Church?î follows. Denominations are not by nature bad, and there are good reasons for them, including ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and different interpretations of biblical passages and doctrines. In 19th century America, with its wave of immigration, people with diverse backgrounds were establishing churches, with their various ministries, many maintaining their native language.
Early in the 20th century, church leaders realized there was duplication and unnecessary competition among the churches. A spirit of cooperation emerged, with the hope that eventually there would be organic union. The ecumenical movement was born. (The word ecumenical is from the Greek oikoumene, meaning the inhabited world, and refers to the entire church.)
Basic to the movement was the conviction that what unites us is more important than what divides us. The large Protestant denominations led in the formation of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ (later the National Council of Churches of Christ) and the World Council of Churches. The new organization gained rapid support, and a number of smaller denominations became active participants. In its structure it relied on its leaders to inform its members of what positions to take on the issues of the day. Roman Catholic and evangelical churches did not join the movement, although they were interested observers of the Councils.
What is happening in the ecumenical movement today? The need and desire for cooperation among the churches continues, but has taken a different direction. The previous organizational efforts have lost considerable impetus, and a new ìfaceî has appeared. There is less emphasis on organization and doctrinal accord, and more on the social issues of the time.
The 1970ís were a period of many societal changes, and ecumenism felt the winds of transition. The Vatican II Council, convened by Pope John XXIII, opened the Roman Catholic Church to reforms that encouraged increased lay participation, both of men and women.
About the same time Roe v. Wade (abortion) and other controversial matters came into prominence. Catholics and evangelicals across the Protestant spectrum realized their common interests in these developments, and began to work together in confronting what they saw as things contrary to Christian living and scriptural teaching. There is no formal organization, but many individuals and organizations have come together in shared concerns, and are having a tremendous impact. The tributes to the late Pope John Paul II by Dr. Billy Graham and other evangelical leaders are a testimony to the new spirit of appreciation of evangelicals and Catholics for each other.
At the same time, the older ecumenical groups were supporting the liberal side of the great issues of the last thirty years, alienating many people and weakening their movement. A realignment has resulted in the church union picture, although organic union is not the aim, centering in the deep concerns of many. The future of the new movement cannot be predicted, but the belief that unites us is more important than what divides us, still drives its adherents.
All ecumenists, whether of the older movement or the newer one, are seeking Godís will for His church, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. ìThy will be doneî is the prayer of all.
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