The Importance of Denominational Identity
and
 Ecumenism in the 21^st Century

By the Rev. Rebecca J. Tollefson

Executive Director, Ohio Council of Churches

What makes up a denomination? What makes them unique? Why is ecumenism important today? Let’s briefly explore these questions.

In a wonderful book, Having Gifts That Differ, the author, Peggy Shriver, profiles many of the denominations in the United States. Her basic premise is that in order for us to better get along and work beside one another, we need to know one another much better. Each denomination has its own ethos in history, worship, doctrine, life and work. Many of us have a few images that come to mind when we think of a tradition different than our own: “…the Orthodox-beards, robes, icons, incense; Quakers-silence, simplicity; Baptists-the Bible and Baptism by immersion” etc. (pg. ix) Each denomination has a unique ministry and way of living and witnessing to that.

Denominational identity seems to have ebbed and flowed in terms of the degree of importance. In the early 1960’s there was a concerted effort by nine Protestant denominations to come together and perhaps form one new denomination. That never happened. Instead, in January, 2002,  a covenanting of these nine was celebrated as they became Churches Uniting in Christ. They now are on a new journey, noting eight visible marks of unity among themselves. Much has to be worked out, but all are in it for the road ahead.

My observation is that in the 1970’s, 80’s, and into the 90’s,  there was struggle for survival among each denomination. Membership and dollars decreased; and many lost the ecumenical vision momentum of earlier decades. The World Council of Churches was created in 1948 and the National Council of the Churches in Christ, USA was begun in 1949. Each were begun in a time of heightened church cooperation and mission. Unfortunately, what I observe is a lot of attention to one’s own denomination and not the larger picture of what (I believe) we’re called to be as the Body of Christ.

“Just what is the ecumenical movement all about? The ecumenical movement is basically concerned with developing greater understanding and appreciation between all Christians, which will lead to great mutual cooperation and visible unity. Such unity, its leaders believe, is God’s will, and is acknowledged as a gift from God in the person of Jesus Christ.” (Ecumenism 101, by Alton Motter, pg. 9, Forward Movement Publications)

I believe that we are impoverished when we aren’t in relationship with one another as Christians. (And here I want to note that I’m strickly speaking to the Christian communions.) We have so much to learn from one another, as well as give to one another. And when we reach out beyond our own denominations and boundaries, our lives are enriched. It’s plain and simple. Christian unity already exits, yet is still becoming as a gift in Christ Jesus through the grace of God. When we build relationships with one another, that facilitates our living out our calling as God’s own holy people. No one of us can say to another part of the body, “I have no need of you.”

When we come together, we are better able to overcome our divisions and misunderstandings, engage in prayer and worship, dialogue, and as much as possible, to give common Christian witness and service. As the Body of Christ, our denominations are called to be a part of a larger community seeking to serve the needs of others, and glorifying God.  What is it that each denomination can contribute to the expression of the whole Body?

I believe as to many in the ecumenical movement that we are very much on the way to the visible unity of the Church. Jesus Christ calls us to unity, “…that they all may be one” (John 17:20-23). Thanks be to God!