An Open Letter . . .

TO DISCIPLES, INDEPENDENTS, AND CHURCHES OF CHRIST
James L. Christensen

One would assume that ministers would have their closest associations and kinship with those of their common family heritage. Yet, I have had scarcely no opportunities to know my brethren of the Church of Christ, and seldom my Independent colleagues. Yet, all of us quote the same spiritual fathers and the same Lord.

One would assume that congregations, historically rooted in the spirit, attitudes and yearnings of Thomas and Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone, would consciously work together as partners in Christ. In reality, however, the Christian Churches (Disciples), the Christian Churches (Independents), and the Churches of Christ have few, if any, association with each other. What tragedy!

How would Thomas Campbell view his spiritual progency?

Surely our separateness would be offensively disillusioning, not only to Thomas Campbell, but Alexander his son, Walter Scott and Barton Stone, the other fathers of our movement. They themselves found a common ground for fraternity among their many followers in the shared yearning for Christian togetherness, in sensitivity to the sinfulness of the divisive spirit, and in a Christ-centered, New Testament faith. If there is any validity to our forefathers’ claims at all, and if they have any significant contribution to the religious scene today, we who have sprung from such noble roots should be able to transcend our religious differences! Before confronting the religious world with a plea for Christian restoration and unity, we need at least to try to get ourselves together — otherwise we merit the denunciation, “Physician, heal thyself”. The scandal and disgrace of the Campbell-Stone movement has been the inability to keep the family together.

To our shame, the prayer of our Lord, “I pray that they may be one, even as thou, Father, art in me and I in Thee . . . that the world may believe,” (John 17:20) and the thought and philosophy of the Campbells and Stone have not been a sufficient bond to keep us together. A travesty indeed. Perhaps a new breed of young ministers of these three groups, and more mature, flexible and responsible church men can bring in a new day of witness for the Campbell-Stone ideas “whose time has come”. Perhaps the family can be united again.

The last fifteen years has occasioned numerous “Internal Unity” conferences between Disciples and Independents, Independents and Churches of Christ. Also voices of concern have been echoed in the printed word of publishing companies of each persuasion. The World Convention of Churches of Christ, meeting every five years, is an umbrella under which fellowship and study is possible and has been partially realized for the historic family. These efforts have created limited bridges of fellowship and opened discussions that have led to increased understanding, tolerance, empathy, flexibility, and a desire to pursue unity, especially among the younger ministers. Regretfully, little has resulted beyond talk. Many feel it is a hopeless and wasted effort. Surely such has not fallen on barren soil. The seed has found rootage, I am convinced, among many sensitive souls in all three major groups.

It is time for progress beyond talk, within the decision making leadership and program structures.

Surely there is sufficient Biblical heritage, theological commonness, Christian goodwill and historical purpose at least to merit an attempt to get together, to overcome the barriers, and unite our efforts. In the eyes of Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Barton Stone, and our Lord Jesus Christ, the ties which unite us are far greater than the differences that divide us.

The Disciples have talked union with the American Baptists, the United Church of Christ and COCU. I for one would like to see consultation on reunion of the family — Independents, Church of Christ and Disciples. Isn’t this possible even amid and retaining great diversities? Isn’t this just as compelling as other conversations?

If Thomas Campbell’s views have validity, surely it is a possibility!

The combined numerical strength, then, would approximate four million members. This would be a tremendous witness to the Christian world of a common legacy.

We all have to give to each other. We all could learn and receive much from the other and yet retain our own freedom and genius. The interpenetration of each segment with the other would be a “wholesome, growing experience” for each. Perhaps the Disciples need a greater appreciation for the Independents and Churches of Christ and what they contribute. At the same time perhaps the Churches of Christ need the perspective of the less rigid stance, and the Independents, the freedom within cooperative structure.

Can we bury in the sea of Christian love the issues that once divided us, and unite ourselves in the service of our common Lord?

By our separateness we betray the purpose of the Declaration and Address, the Magna Charta of the movement. Furthermore, we betray the very genius of our heritage, which was a Christ-centered faith. The demand has never been uniformity in thought or practice, but a common allegiance to the Person of Jesus as both Christ and Lord. We ought to pray for what He prayed for, and work at what He called us to work for — TOGETHER. (John 17:20).

We who talk so much about Christian love contradict in demonstration our basic profession. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” Our relationships have been marred in the past from all three sides, with condescending attitudes, uncharitable criticism, suspicion, misinformation, self-righteous haughtiness, unwillingness to understand, and an attitude of isolation. The polarized camps became rigid, until we have become totally alienated from one another. Hence, some feel that unity among our family is beyond possibility.

Could we dare to disbelieve it? Could we who read this article, possibly engender a new spirit among our ministers and laity of mutual trust, respect, appreciation and fraternity?

Could we possibly respond favorably to the idea? Could we begin expressing the hope, and praying for the leading of the Holy Spirit? Could we capture the spirit of Thomas Campbell, the intellectual fervor of Alexander Campbell, the evangelistic passion of Walter Scott and the humble gentleness of Barton Stone?

Could we begin in the “grass roots” community with some communication and fraternization? Perhaps then the top echelons of leadership could enter into discussion. Impossible? Not if such unity is God’s will! — Lindenwood Christian Church, 40 East Parkway South, Memphis, Tn. 38104