What Happens when History Does Not Walk as We Wish?

Abstract

AbstractThe modern ecumenical movement calls the churches to pray together and to stay together. Through the World Council of Churches, this call has been supported by theological reflection, most notably on baptism, eucharist and ministry and, more recently, ecclesiology. It has also been nurtured by the missionary movement and its practical calls to common witness and service.This article sets out the context of the work of a parish church in Edinburgh, UK. It provides context to ecumenical and interfaith relations in the parish and to pastoral work within what is called the pink triangle. It concludes with a reflection on John Zizioulas's local church and considers the implications of an ecclesiology and missiology that reflect the life of the parish: “While cherishing the unity of the Spirit in the one Church, it is also important to honour the ways in which each local congregation is led by the spirit to respond to its own contextual realities.”