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One of the great factors of our Congregational Way is the diversity of theological opinions that characterize
our people. Fundamental to our approach is the unalterable dedication we have to the completeness and
autonomy of the local Church. In this covenantal community, we live, work and worship together as we seek to find
the "more light," that John Robinson spoke of so long ago.
Beyond the local, we unite ourselves by a free bond of affection. In this larger community, be it named
an association or a fellowship of Churches, we agree to work together for a purpose. We participate in
ordinations, installations, celebrations, common missions and suggestions in handling areas of problem and/or
conflict. We do this as Christian brothers and sisters, not because we are in agreement on issues.
But, this free Association of Churches is not functioning well. There are Churches associated with us who
make no attempt at all to participate and contribute to regional associations. It is also true that there are people
within our associations who seek to determine which Churches are eligible to participate. This sets a perilous
precedent.
In our tradition, it is the local Church that determines the theological outlook of the body; it is not the
association either regional or national. We do not have statements of faith or creedal pronouncements by which
we "test" one's orthodoxy. That is a slippery slope.
We say, correctly, we believe Jesus Christ is Lord and
the sole head of the Church but we are naive indeed, if we
are not aware that that simple statement is loaded
with interpretation. As I stated last month, I believe Lloyd
Hall and Karl Schimpf got it right when they wrote in
their pamphlet, Principles and Practices: The
Congregational Way of Churches of the National
Association, "There is strong New
Testament support for the conviction that we, as disciples, are called
to belief `in' Christ and not to subscription to any
particular list of things `about' Christ."
We cherish those who share strong conviction of
BOTH conservative and liberal traditions and we seek to
live within that tension.
Let us not alienate people by insisting that "our way" is
the only way. Let us proclaim, "God was in Christ
reconciling the world unto himself" and leave individuals to
interpret and believe that statement, as they
must.
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