Church Unity by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 19, 1914

Church Unity

By C. M. S.

The greatest question now before the Federal Council of the Churches is how to bring all the churches of the country into one organization, under one control. They do not themselves understand how it is to be brought about, but there seems to be a general agreement that in some way the problem will be worked out. At the national council of the Congregational Church held some weeks ago in Kansas City, Mo., Rev. Dr. Huckel, of Toledo, Ohio, spoke as follows concerning this great aim of the churches:—

“The wisest method of church unity is consolidation—an organic unity on terms of equality, with the preservation of the valuable points in each community, allowing all desired diversity in worship and work. Such a consolidation would lead to a great national church, the United Church of the United States, a part of the united church throughout the world.”

For years our denomination has been looking for the development in this country of an organization or body which would be in reality what this proposition shadows forth. Some day this nation will "speak" on a religious question to settle a religious controversy. That speaking will not be done by a lot of independent, unharmonious organizations uttering their independent pur

poses; but there will be some religious organization that will speak the religious ultimatum of the nation to all who are out of harmony with the organization's purpose. The organization will speak for the nation in religious matters. What could better and more perfectly fill the requirement than the proposed "United Church of the United States"? It is to be noted also that the proposed religious organization is to be a part of a larger organization, the United Church of the World. Such a body or organization would completely fulfill the requirement for some organization that will be able to cause "the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed." Rev. 13: 12.

When we see plans actually being laid for such an organization as that prophecy demands, we know that we are not far from the culmination of this work. That being true, we know also that the time for active labor is short, and that what is to be done by us as individuals in winning souls for Christ and this truth must be done quickly. C. M. S.