Can a Renewal Movement Be Renewed?
Questions for the Future of Ecumenism
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There is no doubt that ecumenism occupies a prominent place in the history of the church in the twentieth century: countless churches have been renewed through encounter with Christian sisters and brothers in other confessions and cultures. But it is not clear that this ecumenical impulse will continue to figure prominently in the church’s story.
In this book Michael Kinnamon argues that the ecumenical movement, which has given such energy and direction to the church, needs to be reconceived in a way that provides renewing power for the church in this era — and he shows how this might happen. He names the problems with ecumenism, identifies strengths and accomplishments upon which the church now can build, and suggests practical, concrete steps we can take in the direction of revitalization, especially at the local level.
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The former general secretary of the National Council of Churches has assembled a series of speeches on the importance of ecumenism into a slim volume that offers good reasons for keeping the fires of cooperation kindled. Kinnamon (The Vision of the Ecumenical Movement and How It Has Been Impoverished by Its Friends) doesn't shirk the truth: with the decline of mainline Protestant denominations, momentum for ecumenical relations has faltered. Still, there are worthy reasons to work together, not the least of which is theological: the Gospel demands it. In these pages are excellent suggestions for improving communication, forging trust, and creating hospitable working relations among diverse and disparate partners. Chapters on Jewish-Christian relations and interfaith dialogue offer useful dos and don'ts. Kinnamon is a passionate and skilled ecumenical leader, but the answer to the book's central question remains in doubt. To the extent that the council was successful, it was because most of its members shared common stands on pressing issues. With the rise of non-denominational, evangelical, and Pentecostal churches, unity on pressing issues of the day will be harder to achieve.
