So Many Churches

There is one body and one Spirit. (Ephesians 4:4)

Why are there so many different churches and denominations?

One way to respond to this question would be to trace the events that led to the formation of each major Christian group -- the split in 1054 between eastern and western churches, the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the Wesleyan revivals in the 18th, and the rise of Pentecostalism in the 20th. We could explain the various splits that have happened within major denominations. But this approach hardly helps people who are confused by this fragmenting.

For some, the answer lies in human sinfulness. The factors that lead to different church groups include struggles for power and personality conflicts; political, economic, and ethnic forces have played a part as well. On this view, the existence of various churches is a witness to our sinful divisions.

However, I do not believe that the existence of various churches is in itself evil. It can be the occasion for sin when different denominations operate with a pride of superiority. But it's also possible for Christians in one denomination to look upon those in other groups as genuine brothers and sisters, and to cooperate with them in the service of Jesus Christ.

Let's not apologize for our diversity, but then let's not defend division either. Let's make the fullest contribution we can to the group to which we ourselves belong, even as we welcome all others who name the name of Christ.

Unite us in your love, Oh God.