The Christian Church (Disciples of...
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The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) recently changed its procedures for the election of a general minister and president. For the first time candidates had to respond to questions about personal beliefs and religious practices.
The change has proven enormously divisive. The nominee has expressed some views on everything from ecumenical relationships to whom will preside at the Lord's table to the ordination of homosexuals with which many people disagree. Although he is considered a person of great vision, unquestioned integrity and a deep personal faith, his candidacy is controversial because of certain opinions he holds.
Ironically, the Disciples of Christ have prided themselves on being a community of free and diverse people who are bound together by Peter's confession (v. 20). The only test of fellowship the denomination has is whether one believes that Jesus is the Christ. All other matters are considered nonessentials and people are supposed to be free to hold divergent views.
Unfortunately we live in a time when tests of fellowship are too common in most denominations. What one believes about the biblical interpretation, abortion, South African divestment, inclusive language, or many other issues are considered more central than the only test of faith Jesus gave his apostles.
--Cueni
The change has proven enormously divisive. The nominee has expressed some views on everything from ecumenical relationships to whom will preside at the Lord's table to the ordination of homosexuals with which many people disagree. Although he is considered a person of great vision, unquestioned integrity and a deep personal faith, his candidacy is controversial because of certain opinions he holds.
Ironically, the Disciples of Christ have prided themselves on being a community of free and diverse people who are bound together by Peter's confession (v. 20). The only test of fellowship the denomination has is whether one believes that Jesus is the Christ. All other matters are considered nonessentials and people are supposed to be free to hold divergent views.
Unfortunately we live in a time when tests of fellowship are too common in most denominations. What one believes about the biblical interpretation, abortion, South African divestment, inclusive language, or many other issues are considered more central than the only test of faith Jesus gave his apostles.
--Cueni
