Unity

“Ecumenicalism” is a fun word to say! It is a word used to describe cooperation among different religions or different Christian denominations. One of the most important aspects of faith is to understand that it’s not about being right or wrong. It’s about where we choose to put emphasis. Truth be told, someone could use Scripture to argue just about anything. Different denominations stress different things and each one can find evidence to support their doctrine in Scripture. This mentality of emphasis, rather than correctness, makes ecumenicalism and working together a whole lot easier.

I believe Lamb of God’s commitment to ecumenicalism gives us an upper hand while embarking on a new era of the Church at large. We already have deep-rooted merging identities of Lutheranism and Episcopalian. We have a large portion of Catholics as well. We also share Worship space with the Shalom Life Center Jewish Community. If we are strategic about our future, I believe we could become a model for how congregations can collaborate and come together. Unlike the rest of society, the Christian Church could provide an example of how to come together in the midst of disagreement. Fragmentation makes our commitment to loving one another ring hallow.

Without unity, the Church withers. A recent study revealed that 47% of Americans participate in Church, down from 70% in the year 2000. Of the 47% that do attend Church, 78% are over the age of 60. So, it’s reasonable to ask, “what is going to happen to the Church over the next two decades?” While I don’t have a crystal ball, my guess is… consolidation and collaboration. Our value of ecumenicalism and our skills for working together will be key to sustaining our future. Prioritizing our unity over our differences will be increasingly important. We’ll have to do a lot of discussing and praying on what theological convictions are still worth staying separated for.

Today, we are splintering off from one another for cultural, political, and tribal reasons. Eucharistic fellowship intrinsically means that there will be differences around the Holy table. Theologian N.T. Wright articulates it well by suggesting that “Intercommunion is not something we should regard as the prize to be gained at the end of the ecumenical road; it is the very paving of the road itself. If we wonder why we haven't been travelling very fast down the road of late, maybe it's because, without the proper paving, we've got stuck in the mud.”

Paul encourages unity as well. He writes, “strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11). Being of one mind does not mean agreement. One mind means that we prioritize what’s important. We do not have to wait until we agree before we eat together. In fact, not eating together is an indication that we’re missing the boat. Through Christ, we all belong at the same table with one another. As much as we may want it to be, it’s not our table. We are not the host of the meal. It is God’s meal. God sets the rules. God loves all, welcomes all, and provides enough for all to be fed.

Breaking bread together,

Pr. Lucas

Photo by Claudia Schwarz