Budzban: Building bridges between denominations
Blessed are the peacemakers for they are the children of God. — Matthew 5:9
Growing up in the Christian faith, from time to time my parents would go to a new church in our community. The interesting thing is, they didn’t go to the same denomination when they changed churches. Instead, they tried a different one.
Looking back, I see how this experience gave me a greater understanding of the different denominations and their doctrines. I also got to experience and practice the true love of Christ within each one.
Throughout my life, it’s broadened my perspective of the unity in the Body of Christ. Since then, I have had many friends in different denominations and I still do.
When I am invited to speak, it doesn’t matter to me what denomination is inviting me. I love them all. I’m not saying I agree with every detail of their doctrines; but it’s the believers I am passionate about, to instruct and inspire them in the biblical ways of Christ. Besides, it’s not the denomination that makes the church. Jesus taught us that “The Church” is the whole body of believers, united in their individuality working for him.
Years later I found this unity to be a benefit when I was asked to speak at a Christian nurses conference. There were nurses who attended from various denominations of the Christian faith. The emcee used the word ecumenical, which means to branch out and promote unity and cooperation in the Christian faith. That was the first time I had ever heard that word. I didn’t know there was actually a word that described what I had experienced.
Recently the use of the word came back to me when I received an email regarding an ecumenical prayer meeting to be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 30 at Fourth Presbyterian Church on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago to commemorate the International Day of Peace. (Anyone interested in attending can email rsupinger@fourthchurch.org for further information.)
As children of God, Jesus taught us to be peacemakers. We are to bring peace and love, whenever possible, within our church community. And we are to practice it in our neighborhoods, schoolrooms, meeting tables and when doing errands. This action brings unity and joy to our world, and proves we are God’s children because we mirror his love.
Jesus taught more to the people he came in contact with in his everyday encounters than he did in the temple. And he desires that we follow his example to the world.
If were’ re not sure how to do this, we can pray and ask God to show us. Prayer is the foundation of our strength, courage and guidance as we can go into the world to unite others in peace.
In the meantime, striving for peace within our own hearts and souls is a great place to start.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.