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Christian Unity

Overview

Councils of churches are strong advocates for Christian unity. A truly ecumenical body is deeply immersed in education for ecumenism, and seeks to reawaken that educational responsibility in other religious institutions, including local parishes, denominations, and seminaries.

 COMMISSION ON CHRISTIAN UNITY PLENARY, MAY 5, 2009

Dr. Antonios Kireopolus, Senior Program Director for Faith and Order and Interfaith Relations of the National Council of Churches was the keynote speaker at the 2009 Plenary Meeting of the MCC's Commission on Christian Unity.  Dr. Kireopolus spoke on "The Authority of the Church in the World," which is a Faith and Order study document.  The Commission began in October 2008 and continued its work through April of 2009 in developing a formal response to the study document.

A Response by the Commission on Christian Unity to "The Authority of The Church in The World," a Faith and Order Study Document of the National Council of Churches.

THE COMMISSION ON CHRISTIAN UNITY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

CCU is the faith and order commission of the Council.  It enables the churches and other members "to seek to manifest ever more fully the work of reconciliation, renewal and unity in the faith," consistent with the statement of purpose and functions of the Council.  The CCU shall "nourish the growth of mutual understanding, respect, affection, and unity" among Christian churches.

CCU is mindful of its historic mandate "for conducting studies in the area of its responsibilities; for conducting studies on issues which affect cooperation and unity among churches, including those on which there may be a substantial disagreement; for exploring new trends on the local and regional scenes..."

The CCU mandate is as follows:

1.  Study such questions as faith, order, and worship as bear on this task;

2.  Study the theological implications of the ecumenical movement and keep prominently before the churches the obligation to work toward Christian unity and human community;

3.  Pray for unity, and promote prayer for unity;

4.  Study matters in the current relationship among the churches in the Commonwealth that are causing difficulties, or that require theological clarification;

5.  Consider steps being taken by the churches toward koinonia (communion) in faith, life, and witness, and provide information about those steps;

6.  Respond to texts with ecumenical import developed in other settings;

7.  Bring to the attention of the churches in the Commonwealth, when appropriate and by appropriate means, the work of faith and order in local, national, and international settings.

Hope for the Future

As an ecumenical advocate, the Massachusetts Council of Churches seeks to promote an understanding of and commitment to Christian unity. In 2000, the MCC Board of Directors, with the help of many ecumenical friends, created Hope for the Future: the Rev. Diane C. Kessler Fund for Ecumenical Formation and Education, in honor of the Executive Director’s twenty-fifth anniversary in ministry with the Council. This Fund can be used to:

• Offer scholarships for promising ecumenical leaders

• Provide for guest lectureships

• Support internships at the MCC

• Make key resources available to churches

• Support dialogues that foster ecumenical education and formation

• Host ecumenical leaders and colleagues from other parts of the world

Envoys for Ecumenism

The Council also sponsors Envoys for Ecumenism, an intentional association of individuals committed to invigorating the ecumenical movement through personal, interpersonal, and corporate disciplines.

    

  
Envoys enjoy their annual dinner/dialogue at the Walker Center on June 1, 2006.

The Forrest L. Knapp Ecumenical Award

The Forrest L. Knapp Award is given each year at the Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Council of Churches.  The purpose of the award is to stimulate interest and involvement in the ecumenical task - that is, making visible and effective the unity and mission of the Christian church - by honoring a person and/or institution who/which has contributed significantly to the advancement of ecumenism in Massachusetts.

Resources

"Receive One Another: Hospitality in Ecumenical Perspective" Edited by Rev. Dr. Diane C. Kessler.

"Councils of Churches and the Ecumenical Vision" by Rev. Dr. Diane Kessler and Rev. Michael Kinnamon

These books can be ordered from:
International Specialized Book Services
5824 NE Hassalo Street,
Portland, OR  97213-3644
(800) 944-6190
E-mail:publications@wcc-coe.org

"A Theological Exploration of Ecumenical Hospitality" (lecture) by Rev. Fr. George Tavard

View the following resources online:

Envoys for Ecumenism  
Media Directory  
Odyssey Toward Unity
Together We Pray: Prayers for Christian Unity

MCC 2009 Prayer Calendar