Let's Talk

20 years of
Living Theology in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod since 1996

  • Home
  • Issues
    • Welcome to Let’s Talk 2020
    • 22. 2 Reformation Jubilee 500
    • 22.1 Death and Dying
    • All Issues 1996 – present
  • Noted Guest Authors
  • About
  • Contact

Powered by Genesis

You are here: Home / The Vocation of the Laity / “On the Way…” Vision for Ecumenism

“On the Way…” Vision for Ecumenism

June 10, 2016 by Andrew Leahy

I write this on the Feast of the Epiphany, which is the celebration of the birth of Christ “epiphanied” –manifested – to the Gentiles.  One of the themes of this celebration could be stated as “bringing in the outsiders.” Over the centuries prior to Christ’s birthGod had spoken to the descendants of Sarah and Abraham in many ways, through prophets, judges, priests, and monarchs. Sometimes the message was directed to outsiders, such as the message given to Jonah for the people of Nineveh. But often the message was to the people of Israel. That was clearly necessary as we Christians understand it.  God was preparing this set-apart people to receive the Messiah, the Anointed One, who would be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” as the prophet Simeon foretold.

When we think about ecumenism it might be helpful to consider all Christians as outsiders who have been led by the Spirit to Christ to adoption as children of God.  The Church of Jesus Christ belongs to Christ.  It is “our” Church only in the sense that we are members of it. It is not “our” Church in the sense of ownership.

The call of the Holy Spirit leading to Christ may come in many ways.  The famous Gentiles from the East were led by astrology – hardly an “orthodox” theology. We certainly believe that the Holy Spirit leads people into a deeper understanding about Jesus, the Triune God, and our relationship with God and with others. But the historical evidence is that the Spirit leads people to Christ by many paths.

What are your experiences with ecumenism? What have you found helpful as you discuss differences among Christians?  How do you preach and teach about ecumenism? This Journal is about conversation.  Let’s converse.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Filed Under: The Vocation of the Laity


Let’s Talk welcomes thoughtful responses to our articles from all readers. Post your thoughts on our Facebook page or scroll down to the bottom to leave a comment.

Subscriber Sign-up

About Andrew Leahy

Pastor of Prince of Peace, Chicago Heights

9.1 Spring 2004

9.1 Spring 2004

In This Issue

Jazz and Our Calling

By Andrew Tecson

The Path to Lambaréné

By Barbara C. McKenzie

The Vocation of the Baptized and Good Works

By Richard J. Niebanck III

The Laity, Vocation, and the Church: A View From the Pew

By Gregory Holmes Singleton

Standing Between God and the World: Reclaiming the Priesthood

By Seth Moland-Kovash

Why the ELCA Should Uphold Traditional Christian Sexual Ethics

By Robert Benne

“On the Way…” Vision for Ecumenism

By Andrew Leahy