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6. United Methodists and Other Faiths As United Methodists, we have a special commitment to Christian unity. Let me quote a few passages from our United Methodist Book of Disciplne.. "Christian unity is founded on the theological understanding that through faith in Jesus Christ we are made members-in-common of the one Body of Christ. Christian unity is not an option; it is a gift to be received and expressed. " ...we have entered into serious interfaith encounters and explorations between Christians and adherents of other living faiths of the world. Scripture calls us to be both neighbors and witnesses to all peoples. Such encounters require us to reflect anew on our faith and seek guidance for our witness among neighbors of other faiths. Doctrine arises out of the life of the church - its faith, its worship, its discipline, its conflicts, and its challenges from the world it would serve. Evangelism, nurture, and mission require a constant effort to integrate authentic experience, rational thought, and purposeful action with theological integrity. A convincing witness to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can contribute to the renewal of our faith, bring persons to that faith, and strengthen "the church as an agent of healing and reconciliation". This witness, however, cannot fully describe or encompass the mystery of God. Though we experience the wonder of God's grace at work with us and among us, though we know the joy of the present signs of God's kingdom, each new step makes us more aware of the ultimate mystery of God, from which arises A HEART OF WONDER AND AN ATTITUDE OF HUMILITY. Yet we trust that we can know more fully what is essential for our participation in God's saving work in the world, and we are confident in the ultimate unfolding of God's justice and mercy. In this spirit we take up our theological task. We endeavor through the power of the Holy spirit to understand the love of God given in Jesus Christ. We seek to spread this love abroad. As we see more clearly who we have been, as we understand more fully the needs of the world, as we draw more effectively upon our theological heritage, we will become better equipped to fulfill our calling as the people of God." United Methodist faith, then, like biblical faith, is an inclusive faith that recognizes the aspirations of all people toward God. We believe that God has made a complete disclosure of Himself only through Jesus Christ in his life, teachings, death and resurrection. We see ourselves as "members in common" with all other christian churches in the body of Christ and respect and seek to learn from the experiences that members of other faiths have to share with us in their faith journeys. |
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