As was reported in last month’s ecclesial news from Avon, Indiana and Toronto (West Hill), ONT, unity talks are being pursued in some regions of North America involving ecclesias of the Unamended and Central Fellowships. Other ecclesial news items, starting in January, 1992, also reflect Unamended ecclesias uniting with the Central Fellowship in other parts of the continent.
Any reunions previously worked out in our community history have been on the basis of discussions representing all of the ecclesias in the involved fellowships (e.g. Central and Berean in 1952; Central and Suffolk St. in Great Britain in 1957 or Central and Shield in Australia in 1958). And there have been earlier attempts at reunion between the Central and Unamended fellowships on a North American-wide basis. This is the first time “regional” reunions have been attempted.
The developments cited above and the inherent circumstances in addressing an historically challenging and emotionally involved issue on a regional basis that will, nevertheless, affect the brotherhood worldwide, leads to the need to clarify the role of the Tidings magazine in this matter.
The Tidings committee is keenly aware that the editor has a long history of involvement in unity matters and has at times written in the magazine reflecting his personal views on the issues involved. The Tidings committee has not had the opportunity to meet, discuss and formulate policy regarding the several efforts currently under way. The committee does believe that unity efforts are very important but that those efforts should originate at the ecclesial level and the magazine should serve to keep the brotherhood informed.
Accordingly, in this present environment, we believe the community will be better served if, for the time being, no editorial comments, letters or articles appear in the Tidings on issues directly impacting current unity discussions. The Tidings will publish news as matters develop at the ecclesial and regional levels with a view toward keeping the brotherhood informed.
It is our earnest hope that God will bless and guide all who are seeking unity.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One