Exploring Unity For A Change
The United Methodist Church is a Church of open hearts, open minds, and open doors. This is hard to remember these days. I see a lot of people arguing for why the church should no longer be united.
The Church, and America for that matter, seem more divisive than ever. There has been new research that suggests your political affiliation is more determinative of your commitments than your religious affiliation. In other words, it is more important to be labeled as a “republican” or “democrat” than to be designated a “Christian.”
Recently, the Council of Bishops began exploring three possible directions for a way forward for The United Methodist Church over LGBTQ inclusion. This is in response to the report that the bishops received from the Commission on a Way Forward. Ultimately, the Commission will make a recommendation for a way forward to the General Conference.
You can read more about this report: HERE
Many have responded to this report with more talk of schism. Many seem even more agitated. Many seem to be ignoring the numerous Scriptures that instruct the church to stay united. Those few on the “far-left” and “far-right” seem to have the loudest voices.
There are still many in the church who long for unity. The President of the Council of Bishops, Bishop Bruce Ough once stated, “I think we are a church, for the most part, of the middle. Most people get up in the morning and want to work for the unity of the church and to strengthen our witness. You do not create unity through structure. Fundamentally, you create unity through relationships, and you need space to build relationships.”
The Apostle Paul was certainly a proponent of unity. Paul states, “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
The Apostle also writes, “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (Philippians 2:2-5).
Yes, there are challenges in being in ministry with those who believe differently than us. Yes, there is pain in diversity. Yes, it is difficult to see ourselves in people who look completely different than us. But in these challenges, there is also great possibility. In our differences, we can find strength. We can find glory. We can find love.
In his sermon “One With Christ,” Bishop Will Willimon states, “We first promise to stay together and then passionately debate, argue, and fight – but like Christians.”
As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks suggests in his book The Dignity of Difference, we need a theology of religions to help us recognize the image of God in the face of those who are not in our own image. To find God in the faces of all humankind surely is a goal of the eternal life into which Jesus invites us to live our commitments now.”
In John 17, Jesus speaks to the glory that is brought forth through love and unity. He prays for us in this High Priestly Prayer. Jesus is yet again trying to build bridges. He is trying to bring people together. He is trying to unify the church.
I am reminded of the words from John Fawcett, “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.” I think we need this message now more than ever.
Just before his crucifixion, Jesus prays his High Priestly Prayer by saying, “Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are” (John 17:21).
Bibliography:
https://news.stanford.edu/2017/08/31/political-party-identities-stronger-race-religion/
http://day1.org/7975-will_willimon_one_in_christ
http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/bishops-head-to-address-rumors-of-split
