Bishop Eric Menees
We continue our exploration of the Jerusalem Declaration
(the full text of which can be found here:
This week we look at point eleven – Ecumenism:
We are committed to the unity of all those who know and love
Christ and to building authentic ecumenical relationships. We recognize the
orders and jurisdiction of those Anglicans who uphold orthodox faith and
practice, and we encourage them to join us in this declaration.
Point 11 of the Jerusalem Declaration is in alignment with,
and in response to, the prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-21: “I do not ask for these only, but also for
those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just
as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that
the world may believe that you have sent me.” In this scripture, Jesus prays
that the disciples AND others who come to believe will be united in a common
faith.
This is the heart of ecumenism – the desire for a common
faith throughout the whole earth. In fact, the Encyclopedia Britannica defines
it in this way: “The word ecumenism is derived from the Greek words oikoumenē
(‘the inhabited world’) and oikos (‘house’) and can be traced from the
commands, promises, and prayers of Jesus.”
We in the ACNA have embraced this desire for unity and
seriously engaged with conversations with other faithful Christian
denominations – Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. I consider it a great honor
to be the lead bishop in our conversations with the Roman Catholic Church,
where my prayer is that, someday, we’ll come to a place of table fellowship –
meaning that Anglicans and Roman Catholics will be welcomed together in the
Eucharistic Feast.
Over the past two thousand years there have been many
divisions in the church. These divisions have been at times political and
cultural; at other times theological; and at still other times, a combination
of the both. Our recent separation from the Episcopal Church is an example of
theological differences that have led to political and cultural changes; TEC
denied the uniqueness of Christ for salvation, denied the sanctity of life for
the unborn and weak, and denied the moral teachings and authority of Holy
Scripture. This is all to say that, sometimes, these divisions have been
important and necessary in order to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Still, there is no question in my mind that the heart of Christ is broken by
the divisions that have arisen in his church.
The second half of point eleven is the recognition and
respect for our other faithful Anglican provinces around the world. We, the
signers of the “Jerusalem Declaration,” commit to respecting each other’s
orders and boundaries. This means that bishops, priests, and deacons can
transfer from one province to another and be granted full rights and
responsibilities. For this reason, there are ACNA clergy serving around the
world, and other Anglican clergy serving within the ACNA.
I pray you all a truly blessed week!
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