"With a Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power" Seventh International Consultation of United and Uniting Churches

by Best, Thomas F.

• ISBN13: 9782825413951
• ISBN10: 282541395X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-07-01
• Publisher: World Council of Churches

Summary

The United and Uniting churches are very diverse in their theology and church life, but one in their commitment to making Christian unity visible today. This book forms the official record of the seventh international consultation of United and Uniting churches. The consultation brought trenchant reflections on issues which challenge all churches today: the meaning of unity in a world which prefers division; the imperative of a mission which promotes unity rather than division; and the church's identity at a time when institutions and values are under threat. In addition to these themes, the consultation message tackles the crucial ecumenical issue of relationships, calling for fresh and frank dialogue between the United and Uniting churches, their mission and funding partners, and the Christian world communions. Including contributions from the Netherlands, Ghana and the United Kingdom, South Africa, Jamaica, Australia, the United States, and India, this book offers a testimony to the vitality of the church union movement and a challenge to all those concerned for the church's unity, life and mission today.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction
Report
Message from the consultation	p. 3
Information release	p. 13
Papers
Unity : a contribution from the reformed tradition	p. 19
The Ghanaian ministry for London : a case study on unity	p. 31
The impact of unity : a case study	p. 39
A mission of unity and a unity of mission : perspectives in the mission of united and uniting churches	p. 46
A case study in mission : the united church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands	p. 59
A case study on the relationship between mission and unity : the uniting church in Australia	p. 69
Earthen vessels or God's building? : the identity of united and uniting churches	p. 76
Churches uniting in Christ : a case study in identity	p. 99
A case study on identity : the communion of churches in India	p. 105
Special account
The Dutch reformed church family in South Africa : lessons learned on the way to reunification	p. 115
Bible studies
Unity, mission, identity : in Paul's Ephesus - and now?	p. 135
Approaching identity through exile - a Welsh perspective	p. 144
"What kind of fools are we?" : God's wisdom in our world today	p. 156
Sermons
The search for unity : the task of the church	p. 163
Homily on John 21:1-14	p. 168
The imperative of unity	p. 173
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