Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/80

Contributor - Peter J. Yff

Title - What Is It To Be Ecumenical?

Topic - Christian Unity

Last month the focus of our attention, concerning things ecumenical, was the Consultation called into session by the Reformed Church. I would like to have us shift our attention a bit, while still considering the question of ecumenicity. What is it to be ecumenical?

First of all, it is far more than to attend a meeting somewhere, however delightful that experience may be. It is far more than giving lip service to the idea that all Christians, somehow, are part of Christ's body.

To be ecumenical means to affirm our relationship to, and participation in, the body of Christ, which is the Church. It is to have an understanding of, and appreciation for, our heritage. It is also to approach other Christians, not with mistrust, not with the thought, "Perhaps you are Christian, but we are better", but rather to come seeking to know the other kind of Christian, to know something of his heritage. Each may thus enrich the other.

To be ecumenical does not mean that one seeks a super-church, or wants to become part of a "superchurch". The demise of that idea antedates that of the proverbial dodo.

To be ecumenical means to live in partnership with others of the Christian fold. One prime example is the snared project that has become precious to us in Canada: that of L.A.M.P. Some of the Reformed Church's money is involved, and so are some people, both youth and adult. Our prayers mingle with those of many others before God's throne.

To be ecumenical means a willingness to partake in things local churches can do together. Perhaps it will be a series of back yard Vacation Bible Schools. Perhaps it will be sharing in a task force to lift the level of life in the inner city. Perhaps it will be in response to some emergency half-way round the world in distance. Perhaps it will be a response to need, and peril, of a man like Dr. Kao, of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.

Moreover, in the end, to be ecumenical involves your life as a church, and as members of the church, in the local scene. This is where the theoretical becomes practical. Have an exchange visit of young people's groups. Have an exchange of choirs, or if feasible, have an exchange of pulpit fellowship. Invite representatives of the "other" church to share something of their background, their appreciation of Jesus Christ, their hopes and dreams with a men's group, or a couple's group, or a Guild, or whatever. As they share with you, and Vou with them, the vision of both as -what the church is will be strengthened and broadened.

To be ecumenical means that we'll move beyond the place where you serve the Lord in your corner, and I in mine. We might well come to understand that by moving out of our corners we will, in the Lord's name, minister to the entire square. To be ecumenical suggests, I think, that we mean it, when in a part of our communion liturgy we pray, in regard to the church, "Heal its unhappy divisions".

To be ecumenical means to love the Lord, and all of his people. It means also that we will do his work together wherever this will be an advantage, and that where it is necessary because of geography or doctrinal understanding for us to maintain individual efforts, that we will never approach the task, or the world, with the thought, "My church is the only one, all the rest of you get out of my way".

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