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The Illawarra Church Unity Project |
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Church unity has been an elusive reality for the church down through the centuries. So much so, that many see it as an impossibility. Some retreat into a theological position such as “we are all united in Christ even though it is not seen in the world.” The reality is that since the church of Rome first sought to unify the numerous city churches that were springing up (which resulted in the first major split), there have been a great many divisions in the church. It has been estimated that there are now 38,000 Christian denominations in the world (see About.com). The World Council of Churches has worked towards “the goal of visible unity in one faith and one eucharistic fellowship” since 1948 (see WCC website). The WCC does not seek to be a super-church, but membership implies that churches "should recognize their solidarity with each other, render assistance to each other in case of need, and refrain from such actions as are incompatible with brotherly relationships". The WCC is still struggling to make headway. Various approaches to church unity have been tried in the Illawarra, a recent example being Rise Up Illawarra Inc (2003-2007). Although these approaches have produced much that is positive, their failure to achieve their vision resulted in discouragement and a lack of motivation to continue down this path. So do we simply accept that we will not have church unity in this world and be satisfied with the belief that all Christians are united in Christ? For Jesus Christ, church unity is not just a wishful prayer (Jn 17:22), but a command. We cannot call Jesus Lord and at the same time treat his commands as impossible. The Illawarra Church Unity Project is the response of the Illawarra to the command of Jesus. The first phase has begun with discussions about what might be done. If you are a Christian of the Illawarra, please email your thoughts on church unity to me. Alternatively, enter your suggestions in one of the on line discussion forums at Illawarra Christians or Facebook. Please join in. Pastors are currently being invited to join their local ministers fraternal social network group on Illawarra Christians. Encourage ministers to support their local association. God bless, Derek Thompson |
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Church unity in the Illawarra is about Christians from different churches relating to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. |
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“The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one.” John 17:22 |