I was rather disheartened at some of what evolved from this conference. The words of Jesus – “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to this Earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” (Luke 12:51) – echoed concerningly for me.
One concern was for the future of the Anglican Church, and for churches generally. The other was understanding what Jesus was saying.
Jesus Christ was always teaching about the importance of peace and concord, love and hope yet at this time He speaks about division. Why?
Very soon after the creation of a perfect world, humanity sinned by challenging God. Ever since there has been division between individuals, in families, in communities, between nations and within the church. The greatest division and challenge to peace, unity and hope has been humanity continuing to separate itself from God, as if we can do without God and the salvation of Christ.
Our commitment to the Christian faith is what Jesus is telling His followers about, because giving ourselves fully to serve God and each other will bring division among individuals and nations. Sadly this division is in the church, the very community that Christ hoped would bring His word to the world and people to Him.
Similar to other institutions the church is divided by power, privilege and theological differences and needs to obey the teaching of Christ to be humble, serve lovingly and bring unity to all people. To end conflicts and divisions both inside and outside the Christian church, all people must be focused on God alone and not be afraid to speak honestly about His call to unity and peace.
~ Contributed by Rev Canon Wayne Sheean of St Paul’s Anglican Church, in behalf of the Combined Churches of Deniliquin.
