As Noted Last Month, the website for the North American Statement of Understanding is now up and running and can be accessed at www NASU ca The site contains several sections including the complete NASU document, background information and a section for frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs) Following are two of the sections which we feel convey the excellent spirit behind this movement
NASU Unity Process
Consistent with Chnstadelphian values and priorities, this unity process has focused on the Word of God and the doctrinal truths found therein Delegates from participating ecclesias in each fellowship were encouraged to do their own study in advance of joint meetings on each of the four topics which have traditionally been associated with the division between Central and Unamended Christadelphians
- Adamic Condemnation [Nature of Man]
- The Lord’s Involvement in His Own Sacrifice [Nature of Christ]
- In Adam/In Christ [Meaning of Baptism]
- 4 Responsibility [Resurrection to Judgment]
An outline (not the full clarification statement) of these topics with associated scriptural references was provided as a suggested starting point for study It was recommended that this study be done in their home ecclesia with broad participation from members and arranging brethren through such venues as adult Sunday School and mid-week Bible classes In this way, delegates brought to the joint discussions a solid scriptural foundation of their own understanding and an appreciation for the views of the ecclesia they represent
Typically, each joint meeting focused on one of the four topics In the morning, a break-out session of each fellowship was held to permit the delegates of different ecclesias to compare notes and benefit from each other’s study and experience In the afternoon, all delegates from the two fellowships met jointly to discuss their understanding of the topic, seeking clarification in areas of concern and points of confusion arising from jargon Discussion continued as long as necessary for the delegates to be satisfied in their own consciences that they clearly understood what each other believes At the conclusion of this discussion, a draft clarification statement on the topic was reviewed to summarize and bring into focus their common belief The draft statement was discussed to determine if it accurately represented the views expressed and held by the representatives present Feedback from this discussion was recorded for updating of the document to improve its clarity of expression and accuracy Any updates to these statements were reviewed with delegates who participated in discussions in other geographic areas The resulting statements have been incorporated in the NASU document
Through advance preparatory study and candid joint discussion, in a nonpartisan and Christ-like spirit, the delegates developed a first-hand understanding of each other’s beliefs The clarification document was not distributed in advance and was only used in summary at the conclusion of the meeting This use of the document was intended to avoid leading the delegates’ thinking and to encourage thorough, candid discussion Trust and respect for our mutual understanding of scriptural truth developed
Brethren who have completed the process feel reconciliation should be possible based on the oneness of mind they have found This process has taken six to twenty-four months in each region Many of the remaining regions on the continent lack sufficient local counterpart ecclesias for meaningful discussion in this format For these reasons, it was felt to be impractical to complete this process in all areas of North America Further, with the input of approximately 40 ecclesias and 1000 brethren, the NASU document has reached a level of maturity that it was felt it was time to share it more broadly
We pray that the Lord will continue to bless this effort so that oneness of mind may be found in the two communities broadly in North Amenca, providing a foundation upon which discussions could proceed to determine and implement a basis of full fellowship one with another
Guiding Principles
The following set of guiding principles has proven to be a sound basis for constructive dialogue and cooperation in unity discussions During the last six years, these guiding principles have served the Christadelphian unity effort in North America very well Unity meetings often began by reviewing each of [the following points], thus setting a high spiritual tone for subsequent discussions These principles were frequently mentioned in our joint prayers to our Heavenly Father when asking for His help and guidance
The Chnstadelphian NASU steering committee recommends that all discussions among brethren be guided by these principles We believe that conversations within each community and especially those between brethren in the two communities are enhanced by a regular review of these principles [Some ecclesias now read them at the beginning of each business meeting and meetings of the serving brethren Ed ]
- Manifest the spirit of Chnst in content and manner of discussion
- Seek Bible Truth as a single team
- Share information openly within the joint group and ecclesial community
- Encourage prayer for unity
- Truth and important principles are not to be compromised
- Jargon is to be avoided, using clear language and Scriptural wording
- Partisan debate and competitive behavior are not permitted
Ecclesial delegates and committee brethren have come to know and respect one another, esteeming others better than ourselves, thus building a healthy climate for frank and open dialogue This same high level of trust and cooperation is essential to develop among the larger group of brethren in the North American scene who are working together to effect unity
Steering Committee
Ken Curry, Don Davies, Don Elliott, Doug Finlay, Ian Finlay, Rod Ghent, George Jackson, Ian McPhee, Ron McPhee, Noel Peare, Andrew Pearse, Ron Waye, William Yake, Paul Zilmer, Colm Badger (advisor to the Committee) Please note All inquiries should be sent to info@NASU ca
Frequently asked questions and answers
At our time of access, this section had not yet been developed From our own correspondence and contacts, however, we are aware of some frequent questions about the NASU document Here a few sample questions
- Question The NASU does not clarify differences between the fellowships Answer This is not the purpose of the document Its purpose is to bring into focus our common belief on the four areas covered In any ecclesia
over 10 members, if every member were to write down his/her understanding in the four areas covered, there would be differences of view within that ecclesia But there would also be sufficient agreement to ensure all were in the faith That’s what NASU is all about — overcoming a hundred years of jargon and getting to clear statements of commonly held views in areas which have historically divided us When that is done, perhaps to our amazement, we find there is sufficient agreement to ensure all are in the one faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
- Question In NASU the BUSF disappears in favor of the BASF Answer That’s simply a misreading of the document Within North Amenca, both the BUSF and the BASF are given equal recognition when accompanied by the NASU document Throughout the rest of the world, however, it’s the BASF which is the touchstone of inter-ecclesial fellowship and the NASU simply recognizes this fact. The division between Unamended (BUSF) and Amended (BASF) only exists in North America. It would be completely unreasonable and unnecessary to expect ecclesias in other parts of the world to change their basis of association because of problems unique to North America.
3) Question: The implementation process is not clear or complete.
Answer: That is true, it’s not. The Steering Committee would welcome input and comment on this issue. Let’s help them.
At this moment in our history, we are having the best. opportunity yet to heal a division in the body of Christ. Let us prayerfully take advantage of it.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One