Unification

Question 1

Give Biblical support for the ecumenical movement.

John 17:21

Answer 1

“all of them be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe you have sent me.”

Question 2

What was the slogan for the World Missionary Conference?

Answer 2

“doctrine divides but service unites”

The event was only for evangelical Protestants.

Question 3

How does the WCC define itself?

Answer 3

“a fellowship of churches”

Question 4

How do outsiders define the WCC?

Answer 4

“ecclesiastical United Nations”

Question 5

How does the WCC describe its mission?

Answer 5

“visible unity of the church”

Question 6

Give a quote from Allen on the failure of the WCC on account of the RCC’s non-membership.

Answer 6

“Catholicism’s observer status within the WCC would seem to have become more or less a permanent condition.”

Question 7

Give the three main areas of work in the WCC.

Answer 7

1. Unity, Mission, and Ecumenical relations (Related to the prayer of Jesus)
2. Public witness and Diakonia (extends legacy of Life and Works movement, raising awareness of churches in politically troubled areas and sponsoring initiatives aimed at global health, women’s rights, and HIV).
3. Ecumenical formation- training and education aimed at raising the profile of Christian unity globally. Centre for his work- WCC’s ecumenical institute at Bossey, near Geneva.

Question 8

What is the name of the ground-breaking document which explores agreements and disagreements related to the prayer of Jesus?

Unity, Mission, and Ecumenical relations

Answer 8

“Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry” (BEM)

1982

Question 9

Give key areas of unity within the church.

Answer 9

Common confession of the apostolic faith
Common sacramental life
Mutual recognition
Common mission (spreading the gospel)
Participation of all churches. locally and globally, in agreed structures
Common service to the world.