1. To adapt a famous saying of Emil Brunner, the church exists by ecumenism as fire exists by burning. Church unity is not an option, isn't extra, or AOB to the parish board's business. It isn't a duty that can be relegated to professional ecumeniacs. It's integral to the ministry of every believer. Ecumenism is not an ecclesial suggestion, it's a dominical command. 2. In the Farewell Discourse in John, Jesus asks the Father to sanctify his disciples in the truth as he sends them into the world. Then he prays: "I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may be one. As you, Father, are in me, and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world will believe that you have sent me (John 17.20-21). The ecumenical imperative is inherent in the missionary imperative. How can the church, with integrity, proclaim shalom to...
A "restless" theologian in service to the church of Jesus Christ