daniel chigunweThe Rhodesia Herald,
August 13 1969
A FRESH attempt at re-establishing unity between the Methodist and the Anglican churches was already under way in England and last month’s failure of the scheme did not mean the matter was closed said the general superintendent of the Methodist Church in Rhodesia, the Reverend Andrew Ndhlela, in Salisbury yesterday.
Rev Ndhlela attended the unity conference in England last month at which the Methodists voted 77,4 percent in favour of the idea, and the Anglicans cast a 69 percent vote for the scheme, but failed to register the 75 percent required for the approval.
He said: “This is not the end of the affair. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Michael Ramsey, said he would see that something was done as soon as possible within his church to bring about unity. Some people in England are already working towards it.”
Although the Methodists did not know how long it would take the Anglicans to reach an agreement, and were disappointed with the failure of the scheme, they had not lost hope, said Mr Ndhlela.
“Methodists were very sorry and downhearted, but never despaired. We hope something will come from the Anglicans in the near future,” he said.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Unity in the body of Christ is important because when the Church is united, that unity manifests itself in society, leading to national unity.
Unity was one major pillar that the Lord Jesus taught about, so that the world would see that the bedrock of the Church was anchored on Him (John 17:21-23).
Paul in his letter to the Ephesians also wrote about oneness in the Church: “There is one body and one Spirit . . . one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
An attempt to formulate unity between the Church of England and the English Methodist churches has always been hitting a brick wall since 1972 because of the negative Anglican votes.
There have long been two main sticking points. Could a way be found to recognise Methodist women ministers? And how were Methodist ministers to be recognised in a united church without insistence on their being re-ordained in the Anglican succession?
Methodist delegates who voted against the scheme expressed, among other things, the desire to retain their mode of worship and a dislike of the idea of having bishops introduced into their church.
The Church in Zimbabwe has a long way to go, to demonstrate that where there is unity, people flourish. The current divisions in most denominations are not good for the country.
Government on Wednesday directed Churches to reopen and hold services with fully vaccinated members. The caveat was that Church leaders and congregants that do not comply will be arrested. Why? Because Government realises the Church’s leading role in society.
Online Reporter