As the end of summer draws near, we also conclude the annual busy period of church conventions, synods, conferences, and assemblies. These days it is normal and customary for representatives of various churches and faiths to attend one another’s gatherings so as to bring greetings, preach, teach, and break bread together. 

This ‘new normal’ is of a rather recent variety and is due, in large part, to the ecumenical movement which has brought so many denominations closer together. I see this closeness at work every day through continued dialogue around matters of Faith & Order, bilateral and multilateral dialogues and agreements among churches, joint work to end poverty, secure environmental justice, advance peace with Iran, etc. 

There still remain Christian denominations that do not engage in dialogue with others and there some who continue to demonize the National Council of Churches. I recently had a delightful lunch with an evangelical leader who told me there were many among his organization who would be shocked and appalled he was dining with me. I know of other occasions when certain church leaders chose not to be in meetings where I would be in attendance.

But, many old lines of demarcation have faded and most young people, in my estimation, are uninterested in past divisions. The NCC works closely with evangelicals, Catholics, and others through groupings such as the Circle of Protection and the National Religious Partnership on the Environment. 

The American religious landscape is constantly changing and re-shaping. For example, Nathan Guttman, writing in The Forward this week, says about a new Pew Research Study analysis of the American Jewish community, “Orthodox Jews vote, believe, worship, act and raise their children more like white evangelical Protestants than like their fellow Jews.”

It occurs to me that a willingness to engage in dialogue and joint ministry requires a certain amount of humility. 1 Peter 3:8 urges “all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 

I’m talking about a different kind of humility and charity than that reflected in the old story of the fellow who saw a man on a bridge who was about to jump. He shouted, “Don’t do it!” 

The potential jumper replied, “Nobody loves me.” 

The first fellow said, “God loves you. Do you believe in God?” 

The jumper said, “Yes.”

This back and forth ensues:

“Are you a Christian or a Jew?” 

“A Christian.”

“Me too! Protestant or Catholic?” 

“Protestant.”

“Me too! What franchise?” 

“Baptist.”

“Me too! Northern Baptist or Southern Baptist?” 

“Northern Baptist.”

“Me too! Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist?” 

“Northern Conservative Baptist.”

“Me too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Region?” 

“Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region.”

“Me too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1879 or Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912?” 

“Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912.”

“Die, you heretic!” And pushed him over.

That joke is just familiar enough to continue to draw some laughs. I pray we will reach the day when we all be one in Christ.