All Articles For Examining Ecumenicalism

In the May 1 issue of the Standard Bearer I called your attention to the beginning of the proposed merger between the Reformed Church in America and the Presbyterian Church in the United States. You recall, in 1962 the General Assembly of the P.C.U.S. and the General Synod of the R.C.A. approved of a joint resolution prepared by the General Synod Executive Committee of the Reformed Church and the Permanent Committee on Inter-Church Relations of the Presbyterian Church U.S.

We have been considering the proposed union of the Reformed Church in America with the Presbyterian Church in the United, States (Southern Presbyterian). Last time we pointed out one feature of the proposed union which is greatly feared by conservative men in the Reformed Church: its obvious hierarchy. This in itself would be sufficient reason for rejecting the entire plan.  But other reasons for rejecting the proposed union have also been offered. Several of these I would consider with you in this article.

We have been viewing the progress of the study committee, called the “Joint Committee of 24,” as it has been working in the past years towards a goal of eventual merger of the Reformed Church in America and the Presbyterian Church U.S. (Southern). Last time I called attention to their reports to their respective highest assemblies in 1963 and in 1964. This time I would present the report of this same committee to the General Synod and the General Assembly this past spring.

The process and proposals of merger are rather interesting to observe—particularly when these take place in denominations which have, historically, close ties with our own. That is especially true today for us as we observe the developments taking place in the Reformed Church of America. And, of course, it is ever easiest for those on the sidelines to make remarks, suggestions, and criticisms. Yet for our own consideration and instruction, there are certain remarks which must be made.  REACTION TO THE PROPOSED MERGER 

One of the intents of this rubric is to review the continuing sessions of the Second Vatican Council being held in Rome. The reader may recall that about one and a half years ago the present writer presented six articles on the first two sessions of this Council. A re-reading of those articles may be helpful for a better understanding of what has been going on at the Council. The third session is already ancient history: it met from September 14 through November 21 of last year.

“Truly catholic, truly reformed, truly ecumenical” For those who have read concerning developments in the church-world of our day, the letters COCU have been observed with ever increasing frequency. The letters indicate the “Consultation on Church Union.” Just recently we have read of its fifth meeting held at Dallas, Texas. There have also been comments on the possibility of the breaking up of the merger talks between the Reformed Church in America and the Southern Presbyterian Church because the latter decided this spring to become full participants in the COCU discussions.

One encounters often today books which deal with the subject of ecumenism. Most of these appear to support the idea from one or more points of view. It is an interesting contrast to read books which present rather the objections to present-day ecumenism. Such a book came to the Standard Bearer recently for review and was referred to the present writer. The book is entitled, “The Ecumenical Mirage.” The author is the Rev. C.S. Lowell, editor of Church and State, and Methodist minister.

The prospects are “bright.” Before very long the possibility exists that seven large Protestant denominations, maybe more, will merge into one large superdenomination containing 24 million members. That is what “COCU” is about (Consultation On Church Union). The “Consultation” which has been in progress for the past five years is a gathering of nine representatives from each of the seven participating denominations. These men annually discuss various aspects of the difference between the denominations. They have been coming to conclusions.

But there is more to the subject of confessions for the proposed new church. Churches today want “new” and relevant confessions. The present instance is no exception. Although the proposed plan of union does not declare that a new confession shall be made—it does declare that an attempt shall be made to compose a new confession. Article 12 of their Covenant of Agreement states:

In several recent articles we have considered the proposed merger of the Reformed Church in America with the Southern Presbyterian Church. Within a few months the outcome of the merger proposal should be known. But one wonders why the Reformed Church and the Christian Reformed Church would not rather more actively seek each other?