PANEL ON UNITY

On June 17 a panel discussion was held in the meeting place of the Sequoia Park Community Church of Christ in Denton, Texas. Three panelists, M. J. Cunningham of Dallas, Sam Rodgers of Dallas, and Leroy Garrett of Denton, discussed the relationship of certain differences of conviction to the general problem of Christian unity. Specific issues were mentioned which have constituted barriers to unity for many years. Among these were divided Bible classes, instrumental music, congregational cooperation, and multiple containers in the communion service. No attempt was made to offer answers as to the right or wrong in these matters, but an attempt was made to ascertain what sort of working unity may be enjoyed in the face of such disagreements. Though the panel members represent slightly different backgrounds and points of view, there was general agreement among them that whatever unity we may hope to achieve, it cannot be a unity which insists upon complete conformity in conviction.

This discussion was not intended to provide or point to a decisive solution to the problem of division. One thing it did accomplish was to demonstrate that brethren who do disagree can enjoy fellowship, if only to sit down together for a prayerful study of their problems. We hope for more of these gatherings in Denton, and recommend to concerned Christians everywhere that this approach be patiently tried among them. It’s not so hard! — Curtis Lydic