Black Country Churches Engaged
the sub-region’s ecumenical intermediate body
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Togetherness
When Churches Together in England was formed, many local Councils of Churches changed their titles without realizing that there were implications. Lewis Burton wrote an explanatory article at the time and I made a Readers' Digest version of it. It does not seem very dated!
Michael Topliss
THE TOGETHERNESS SEPTALOGUE
TOGETHERNESS is not unity. But togetherness is what is realistically achievable for the time being. Picture a bundle of firewood: each stick is distinct, but they are bound together and pointing in the same direction.
TOGETHERNESS involves real commitment and belonging. Too often within our churches for instance a local Council of Churches announcement has been received by “us” as something “they” are putting on. Churches Together in Thisplace 'R' US.
TOGETHERNESS implies being and doing. Of course much has been done together in many of our situations in the past, but commissioned churches need to consider: “What is now our priority here?” And then to determine: “How can we do that together?”
TOGETHERNESS is not an optional extra for those with friends in other denominations. It means business. It requires election to the Forum not the genial back-bencher, but the churchwarden/steward/ deacon/elder who is well-informed, and active, and whose word carries some clout!
TOGETHERNESS requires trust. Maybe in choosing not to do everything separately, we delegate to one denomination that aspect of mission they are best equipped to do, and each concentrate on our own speciality.
TOGETHERNESS is connected vertically too: but traditional structures are stood on their head. Neither Churches Together in England nor Black Country Churches Engaged will impose, but they may seek to facilitate. Initiatives are expected to be relevant locally. And the local leadership too will need to stay in touch with the views from the pews.
TOGETHERNESS has to become our priority. Ecumenical matters must no longer be an addendum to a sub-committee report. The Church Council’s agenda has to be a stick of rock with OIKOUMENE running right through the middle.
Office Address:
18 Selman’s Hill
Bloxwich
Walsall
West Midlands
WS3 3RJ