|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
2. Roots in the Federation of Churches movement |
| |
|
(Click on any
image
to enlarge it.) |
|
The nineteenth century saw many nondenominational movements and
organizations. These structures addressed social problems together
by avoiding discussion of denominational differences. But by the
beginning of the twentieth century, a new idea was arising within
the denominations.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Church leaders, concerned with wasteful
duplication and the scandal of Christian fragmentation, began to call
for federations of churches. Massachusetts was at the forefront of
this movement. In 1888, E. Tallmadge Root organized five congregations
into the Christian League of Methuen.
|
Root went on to become
the first Executive Secretary of the Massachusetts Federation of Churches,
serving for 26 years.
|
|
 |
|
| Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on
one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block
or hindrance in the way of another. Let us pursue what makes
for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Romans 14:13, 19) |
|
|
 |
|
The Massachusetts Federation of Churches
was formed on March 31, 1902 at Park Street Church in Boston by representatives
of four denominations. It grew rapidly. By 1916 the Federation involved
representatives from approximately 18 denominations, and encompassed
91% of the Protestants in Massachusetts.
|
Its goal was mutual courtesy
and cooperation between the churches, called “comity”.
Its energies were devoted to: “learning all the facts and allying
all the factors in order to overcome over-lapping, over-looking and
over-organizing.”
|
|
 |
 |
|
E. Tallmadge Root’s slogan as
Executive Secretary was: “Keep the facts before the churches
until the churches change the facts.”
|
Cooperation in social issues
soon emerged in the Federation’s work. The work included concern
for striking textile workers in Lawrence and for child laborers, defeating
a bill on boxing,
|
|
 |
 |
|
opposition to the repeal of temperance, and promotion
of town forests. The Federation was notably successful in all its
ventures. |
|
| By 1930, the Federation was a victim
of its own success. As the country plunged into a depression, finances
became dire. As instances of “overlapping, over organizing and
overlooking” decreased — and those remaining became increasingly
intractable — the churches had less incentive to offer their
support. While the scope of activity had expanded since the Federation’s
founding, the formal purpose had never been reconsidered systematically.
Some perceived the organization as unfocused. The Federation began
merger discussions with the equally-troubled Massachusetts Council
of Religious Education.
|
|
 |
|
| For the witness of the churches together
in commitment to mutual courtesy and cooperation,
we give you thanks, O Lord
hymn: In Christ there is no East or West
|
|
|
|
