Communications

A Small Voice Appeals for Unity

Dear Bro. Don,

There is much discussion these days across North America regarding the reunion efforts that are mainly focused on the eastern ecclesias. For over a hundred years this separation of fellowships has left our community sorely divided. Efforts have been made over the decades to bring the two fellowships of Amended and Unamended together but have thus far not borne fruit. Today there seems to be a gathering momentum that might finally bring us together. After struggling for years to find an acceptable wording that agrees with the sentiments of both statements of faith it seems that re-union may finally be within our grasp. How wonderful it would be if all of Christ’s brethren could be united and of one mind to greet him upon his return!

Perhaps what has been thus far accomplished was the easy part. Now comes the rather daunting task of implementation. While this may be the most sensitive of tasks to accomplish successfully, we pray daily for its implementation, but do others?

In my case, I belong to a very small ecclesia (4 baptized members) in a rural part of Ontario. Fellowship is not as abundant for us as our brethren and sisters enjoy in larger ecclesias. In our travels, we have attended a few of the ecclesial meetings, where reunion is being considered. There are a few things that strike me as I witness some brethren discuss certain details of the agreement and the plan for implementation.

First of all, I’ve often wondered about the motivation of those who arduously criticize the document over every word they can find “out of place” or they feel is not optimally stated. Do they even want reunion in the first place or do they really just have an emotional desire to reject the document because they like things the way they are. After all, they have all the fellowship they need (or want) and so what difference does it make to them if the reunion takes place or not?

I question if in their heart they earnestly desire to have the brotherhood united and if they genuinely believe there will be a critical falling away from the truth if we accept the wording of the current reunion effort. Are they just following (consciously or subconsciously) an emotional desire to find a way to stop it…somehow! Do they pray for the success of reunion or would its failure preserve their comfort zone?

Secondly, there seems to be an irony in the process of acceptance or rejection. Large ecclesias are typically located in areas where there are numerous other ecclesias. Small ecclesias often operate in relative isolation. These small ecclesias stand to benefit most from the success of the reunion effort while larger ecclesias will only have a greater abundance of fellowship than they already have. The irony is this: the ecclesias that are starving for the additional fellowship have the least amount of influence in its acceptance by their few members who get to vote, while the larger ecclesias, grouped together in geographical clusters and needing it the least have the overwhelming impact on its fate.

We hope and pray that the large ecclesias will remember that the ramifications of their decisions will greatly impact ecclesias and individuals in isolated areas. I appeal to them to consider the needs of their brethren over their emotions and earnestly work to find an acceptable way for the reunion to join together all those who worship in spirit and truth.