Another popular argument against the One Church Plan involves the fact that different churches would have different policies on gay marriages or unions. A pastor might have to say to a visitor that some churches have voted to change the default policy of the church (which according to the plan is the traditional view). The concern is that we would not have a unified witness as a denomination.
This argument would carry more weight for me if we were uniform in other ways. I could go to the five United Methodist Churches in our city and would probably experience communion is five different ways. The liturgy and style of worship would be different. Some would say a creed, for example, and in others some may have never heard a creed. Different versions of the bible would be read. The Sunday School curriculum would be different – some of it not United Methodist. And, there would be wide theological and political differences on many issues.
This does beg the question, “so how are we united?” This is a question worthy of our coming to the table together. At this table I suspect we would find much common ground in key doctrines. We could point, for example, to Wesley’s first sermon in the standard sermons where he outlines salvation by grace through faith. Here we learn that salvation for us is more than a decision and more than a future reality for us; it is a present reality and involves our growing into all that God has created us to be. At this table, we would find unity in the word love, which is the concept Wesley used to point to a higher unity than any theological opinion. We would find unity in our calling to “steer a middle course,” to use Wesley’s language, and to grow in holiness, which Wesley consistently defined with the virtues of patience, kindness, and humility, and never in terms of judgement and self-righteousness. I do believe that we would be able to affirm a theological spirit that binds us together. We would find our unity under the “canopy of cosmic grace” (to build upon a phrase from both John and Charles Wesley).
Perhaps this conversation with a hypothetical visitor would lead to an opportunity to share Wesley’s timely work, “The Character of a Methodist.” Here Wesley repeats a theological position that he shares consistently, where he affirms core affirmations of faith such as our belief that Christ is the eternal love of God incarnate in the world, but beyond these core affirmations (“as to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity”) “we think and let think.” To paraphrase, “The distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not found in any theological opinion or style of worship or system of religion. All of this is ‘quite wide of the point.’” Our unity is found in the love of God that fills our hearts (Romans 5:5) and in our desire to share this love with one another.
With this “character,” we accept people wherever they are on their faith-journey and believe that a variety of perspectives helps all of us to grow. We come together, not to agree on everything, but to learn how to forgive, bless, and honor one another. In this way we practice for our place as citizens of God’s expansive kingdom which is always bigger than our finite perspectives. While we proclaim the core doctrines of the Christian faith as given to us through the scriptures and historic creeds, we are also willing to ask questions of interpretation, to struggle with difficult issues, and to engage one another with respect and compassion. It is the kind of “character” and “unity” that this world needs.
In sum, our unity is beyond uniformity. It is a harmonious unity. As Paul exhorts, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Col 3:14). By having churches with different programs, personalities, and perspectives we only expand our witness and extend God’s love to a world in need. This kind of diversity can be seen as a great blessing.
Connected In Christ 