If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

(Romans 12:18)

The desire for unity is at the heart of the ecumenical journey. It is what we seek and pray for. Being in unity means we recognise that which we have in common and are aware of what we don’t. We choose to be in relationship with each other. 

This past week I have been attending the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee meeting on behalf of the NCCA. It has been a rich experience of being more aware of the many dimensions of the Christian community. I have met people whose church traditions are very different to my own, and at the end of the week, relationships are deeper, and trust is growing.

There is a richness in all our diversity.  Differences are present in so many ways in the life of the Christian church. We differ in our languages, ethnicity, church traditions, dress, expression of faith and how we understand scripture. This is a small part of a long list!

Yes, there have been a number of matters where our differences have been obvious. In many more ways we are together and share similar perspectives. The diversity is real and enriches our work together. 

	Above: Rev John Gilmore caught up with WCC steward and NCCA staff member, Naomi Boulton at the Central Committee meeting. Photo Credit: Rev Sharon Hollis, UCA Assembly President.

During the week we read together these words from Romans 12:18: ‘If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone’. 

I have mulled over the words ‘if it is possible’. 

It seems that Paul is directing where we place our effort. We are to do what we can as an expression of grace (our initiative). It starts with what we do, and not with what the other does.   

When I heard these words in the diversity of WCC Christian community I was reminded to invest in relationships and such an investment extends beyond those with whom we share a common faith, to those of other faiths and those of no faith (everyone).  

There is little wriggle room.

Rev John Gilmore

NCCA President

Further reading

“Motivated by our hope in Christ, let us continue to play our part in God’s mission to the whole world as agents of reconciliation in a broken and fragmented world,” said the committee’s vice-moderator, Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley, in her sermon at the meeting’s closing prayer on 27 June.

WCC central committee concludes meeting with call to reconciliation in a fragmented world |WCC