No Unity Please, We're Christian

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ended yesterday, which you will all know because the events held in your community involving Christians from different denominations celebrating the uniting truth of "one Lord, one faith, one baptism," as the author of Ephesians declares. Are you confused? What events?

There was a day when a genuine effort was made to hold joint services in communities as a witness to unity in diversity. Yes, we have our differences, yet we humbly acknowledge that Christ gives us a common life which should be celebrated. 

In the latter years of my pastoral ministry this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity faded into obscurity, a puzzling development given that many of the mainline denominations which once supported it just don't anymore. We are "shipwrecked" and need to extend kindness and encouragement to each other, as this year's theme from Acts 28 suggests. 



Over the decades I found Christian unity a challenge, often because I just didn't like the conservative theology of some colleagues. And to a degree it was easier for me than some of my female UCC colleagues who weren't even recognized as ministers of the gospel by the "old boys club." Just the same, some of the most generous, remarkable Christians I've met through the years are from denominations with which I disagree, fundamentally. They are often deeply committed to prayer and a strong devotional life grounded in humility and praise. 

It has been deeply satisfying to be involved in shared projects such as Syrian refugee sponsorship where congregations which have never worked together in the past bring their varying gifts together. 

In this time of social media I follow pastors and theologians who challenge and inspire me. This may shock you, but we "progressive" types can dig ruts so deep that we can no longer see the horizon. Conversation, worship, prayer with those with different outlooks can sharpen our own theology and invite us to consider different perspectives.

Ya, I know -- silly talk. Polarization is so much more attractive to those who are questioning the value of faith and disorganized religion. 

Thoughts?