Not one single Christian denomination owns our Lord's Vineyard or the Bible!
There will come a time, and we pray it is sooner rather than later, when all Christian denominations will realise that they must come together with one heart, putting aside their theological differences and learn to rethink their human prejudices. If this does not happen, Christianity as we know it will cease to exist. Not only is there plenty of room for us all, in this day and age of atheism and secularism, there is also plenty of need.
In its broadest sense, Ecumenism is the religious initiative towards worldwide Christian unity. It is the promotion of co-operation and improved understanding between religious groups. Those who participate to the Ecumenical movement are doing this not as individuals - but as whole groups speaking with one voice. All of us in the ECC+C pray for unity in the Church of God and strive towards recreating the universal Church set in the world two thousand years ago so that humanity may, once more, share the Gospel equally. We strive towards moving away from exclusive doctrine, the perceived inaccessibility of clergy and man-made canon law, although we accept without any rules and regulations, organisations of any kind will become unruly - if not feral. We do not advocate a 'free for all' but we use the Bible to guide our policies.
Men and women in Holy Orders must be accessible, dignified and accountable at all times.
Our own 'Apologetics' are available to give an intelligent and Christ-centred reason for what we believe. We hope that our Apologetics offer everyone an insight into the ECC+C. The global Christian Church (forget denominations here) has a duty, if not obligation, to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ which He Himself passed on to us via his disciples.
“Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28
The Ecumenical Community Church + Catholic hold to the integrity of the Universal faith, catholic, independent of Rome and Lambeth, respecting (even if not agreeing) with other denominations. We remain to the best of our ability, faithful to the catholic teaching of the Apostolic Church, but we also recognize our fellow sisters and brothers of other traditions also remain true to their understanding of Word and Sacrament. We make no judgement on others who may differ from us in terms of denomination although we have to reluctantly separate ourselves from some Independents who have little policy on clergy behaviour and their public presentation. We wholly accept the Apostles and Nicene Creed. Jesus prayed a prayer at the end of his earthly life that has yet to be answered. At his last supper with His disciples He prayed for all who would believe in him:
"That they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me." John 17:21
We must stress that our desire for ecumenism is extended to those who hold with the Word of God,
who proclaim the Gospel and who tread a path of honest Christian discipleship. We are painfully aware that there are disparate organisations whose members call themselves Ecumenical and Catholic but they have distanced themselves from the guidance of the Holy Spirit every member of clergy needs in order to function healthily for God. We know how hard it is to gain trust from mainstream clergy but we have that trust. We respectfully but officially remove ourselves from any association with organisations who ordain clergy who have little training or academic background.
Please click onto A brief history of Catholicism.
It will take a few minutes to read but will explain an awful lot!
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