The ministry of reconciliation: why the churches owe the message of reconciliation to a divided world

Abstract

The theme of the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches reads: Christ's love moves the world to reconciliation and unity. This subject is obviously a lot timelier than those who chose it may have thought. In these days, what would our world need more than reconciliation, peace and unity? And not only the world is in need of reconciliation, but also the Church. Many of the traditional schisms still exist, but even in the family of Orthodox churches which always has been proud of preserving the unity of the Church there is a deep split. One part of it is of the opinion that the allegiance to the nation and its war is more important than the unity and loyalty with a sister Church. Therefore, the question arises: is it true that “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity”? This article examines what the Bible really says about reconciliation and unity and the effect of Christ's love in view of the Church and the world.