Searching for Spiritual Unity . . . Can There Be Common Ground?

Moravian {Unitas Fratrum} "What makes the Moravian Church different? Truth is, there is little difference between any of us. Our points of union are far greater than our points of difference. The church is far more nearly one, than the existence of many denominations would indicate. As for the Moravian Church, she has striven for unity. For hundreds of years she has sought to live up to her great motto: 'In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things love.' There can be no higher tribute paid a church than for sincere, earnest Christians of other denominations to be able to say concerning her: 'I see no difference in your belief and ours. I feel at home in your services and am conscious that we are one.' That is a goal for which every true church should strive, this feeling of oneness between all sincere Christians of whatever name. This is the essence of real Christian union.. . . But however beautiful they (the liturgies) may be or however much they may be of service, such customs cannot make a church a means of grace and blessing. They are more like the outer garments, the dress, or the framework of the church. If you want to know a Church you must get close to her heart, you must understand her spirit, you must gain her point of view, you must feel her passion, and you must see her purpose. There is where individuality lies. And there is where you will find that which makes the Moravian Church one with, and yet distinct from her sister churches."-- Rev. J. Kenneth Pfohl; August 12, 1917(1) Basic Doctrine: They make no profession of being better than others. To do so would do violence to one of the most cherished principles of the Church for 560 years, the great principle of Unity. Through the years the church has often put into written form the precepts of its faith and practice in what is known as the "Covenant for Christian Living." Below are some of the basic principles they teach: A Basic Motto: In accepting other creeds of the Christian Church (such as the Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, and the Augsburg Confession) and in its practice, the Moravian Church has always stood by its motto: "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; and in all things, love." "Love Toward All: We will not hate, despise, slander or otherwise injure anyone. We will ever strive to manifest love towards all people, to treat them in a kind and friendly manner, and in our dealings with them to approve ourselves upright, honest, and conscientious, as becomes children of God. Together with the universal Christian Church, we have a concern for this world, opening our heart and hand to our neighbors with the message of the love of God, and being ever ready to minister of our substance to their necessities. " (1) Moravians deem it a sacred responsibility and genuine opportunity to be faithful stewards of all God has entrusted to us: our time, our talents, and our financial resources. They view all of life as a sacred trust to be used wisely. Realizing that God has called us from many and varied backgrounds, they recognize the possibility of disagreements or differences. They consider it to be our responsibility to demonstrate within the congregational life the unity and togetherness created by God who made us one. How well we accomplish this will be a witness to our community as to the validity of our faith. Moravians support experiences with other Christian churches, and carefully avoid all disputes, respecting opinions and ceremonies peculiar to one or another Church. They acknowledge that different denominations have received many gifts and that the Church of Christ may be enriched by these many and varied contributions. In this fellowship they cooperate with other churches in the support of public charities or Christian enterprises as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Unintrusiveness is based on the Moravian belief that God positively wills the existence of a variety of churches to cater for different spiritual needs. There is no need to win converts from other churches. The source of Christian unity is not legal form but everyone's heart-relationship with the Savior. Fellowship is based on this heart-relationship. Our Manner of Life: We will at all times be ready cheerfully to witness to our faith and if need be, to suffer reproach for Christ's sake Being aware that our witness is made both by what we do and what we avoid doing, we will endeavor to let our manner of life "be worthy of the gospel of Christ, not being conformed to this world." . . . we will seek to meet the needs of the world in self-giving love, and as true yokefellows of Jesus Christ, willingly share in the fellowship of his sufferings, walking in his strength, by whom all things are given us that pertain to life and godliness. Moravians recognize the example of Christ's life. We realize that our Christian faith must continually be nourished if it is to remain living and vital. Temperance in All Things: Remembering the admonition of Scripture to be temperate in all things, we shall endeavor to look upon our bodies as temples of God's spirit. We are aware of the problems that can be caused by the intemperate use of such things as alcoholic beverages, food, tobacco, drugs, and other things. We consider it the responsibility of every Christian to decide most carefully how they can be used in good conscience. The Belief of the Church: With the whole of Christendom we share faith in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe and confess that God has revealed Himself once and for all in His Son Jesus Christ; that our Lord has redeemed us with the whole of humanity by His death and His resurrection. . .