Faith Matters Column: United as friends of Jesus

Many people look to Jesus’s life and teaching for inspiration. They might call themselves ‘friends of Jesus’. With this in common, perhaps it is reasonable to hope that they will be united in their love and care for one another.

However, the search for unity among Christians is one that is still ongoing. There are so many different interpretations of who Jesus was and what he means for us. Some look to Jesus as their guide and are open and tolerant of others with different beliefs. But there are also some who insist that their view of Jesus and their beliefs are the only right ones.

The story of the search for unity is a long one. There have been some wonderful steps forward, separate denominations have united. Others, whilst not uniting, have had deep and meaningful conversation with each other to find mutual understanding and common ground. Churches Together in Britain and Ireland is an agency to help churches work together. There are separate agencies in Scotland, Wales, Ireland  and England. Leighton Linslade Churches Together is a local expression of these agencies.

But not all Christians find this way of working together helpful.  Sometimes it is helpful to be ‘Christians Together’. In particular projects Christians can find common interest, such as working to help the poor, or campaigning for peace and justice.

Jesus prayed that his Friends would be one. “My prayer is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one.”

The Annual General Meeting of Leighton Linslade Churches Together will be held on Wednesday 21st October at Trinity Methodist Church at 7.30. My prayer is that we will find a greater sense of unity and be open to further unity with others. As friends of Jesus may we love one another.