On Kingdom Ecumenism

Check out this great post by Halden on what real ecumenism means. I loved it, and I think he's spot on in pointing out our common misconceptions about what ecumenism is and what it should be. Living ecumenically is not about compromising our beliefs in order to not step on anyone's toes, but it's about living in the Spirit and living with radical acceptance of each other, knowing that that which binds us is so much greater than that which divides us.

I've been blessed to experience this kind of ecumenism this year in Ann Arbor. I've absolutely loved fellowshipping with my Orthodox and Catholic brothers and sisters. Before this year, I never even knew anyone who was Catholic or Orthodox, and now I can say that I have good friends (but even more so, brothers and sisters) who fit into those categories. And I've written about this before, but I think it's worth mentioning again, that this is something beautiful. This is our glimpse of the Kingdom of God breaking into this world. And it is only possible by the working of the living God through the Holy Spirit, who alone brings unity.  Unity is something I'm very passionate about, and am blessed to be participating in a community that really strives for it in a real way.

Check out the lyrics from this classic Christian hymn, Blessed Be the Tie that Binds:

Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne

We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one

Our comforts and our cares.

We share each other’s woes,

Our mutual burdens bear;

And often for each other flows

The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,

It gives us inward pain;

But we shall still be joined in heart,

And hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives

Our courage by the way;

While each in expectation lives,

And longs to see the day.

From sorrow, toil and pain,

And sin, we shall be free,

And perfect love and friendship reign

Through all eternity.

Through all eternity we will dwell with the Lord in unity. We have the incredible opportunity to begin this now. Let's go for it.