Pentecostalism and Ecumenism: Past, Present, and Future (Part 5 of 5) by Amos Yong
It is at this level that one sees academic, church leadership and neighborhood ecumenism come together. To take just one example, the continued fight for civil rights for ethnic minorities requires, among other things, racial reconciliation. True reconciliation cannot be legislated. It has to come about from the hearts of people in society at large and be demonstrated by concrete actions. This means that racial reconciliation cannot be the task of just a few individuals or groups. Academics have to bring to light the social, historical, and religious factors behind racial tensions. Church leaders have to explore how such tensions can be eased—perhaps by holding more interracial events, implementing a series of pulpit and choir exchanges, or even merging smaller congregations. Neighbors have to find ways to demonstrate solidarity across racial lines. And, all of this has to proceed in tandem. Neighbors cannot wait for pastors who cannot wait on academics and vice versa. My point is that racial tension as a societal problem calls for the Church to awaken from its slumber and take concrete action at various levels. Such action can be nothing but ecumenical in the best sense of the word.
What then can and should we do?
I have written far more than I intended when I first accepted the invitation of the editors of this journal to address this topic. What was initially projected to be a brief summary of the topic has developed into a five-part article. This represents both the passion I feel regarding the importance of this matter and the burden we all carry in light of the immensity of this task. I would be remiss, however, if I did not conclude with some very practical suggestions about how we as Pentecostals can and should proceed ecumenically at this time, the dawn of the second Pentecostal century.
First, Pentecostals have not been entirely truthful in their anti-intellectualism. Jesus’ admonished us to love God not only with our heart, our strength and our soul, but also with our mind (Matt. 22:37; Mk. 12:30; Lk 10:27). For those of us who are hesitant to launch out into the uncharted (for us) waters of ecumenism, the first thing we can do is to educate ourselves. In reading the Bible, look for motifs that demonstrate God’s inclusive love, the universal reign of the Kingdom of God, and the celebration of difference and plurality in the created order. And, of course, strive to be more knowledgeable about ecumenism in general and the ecumenical movement more specifically. Toward that end, I have appended a reading list that includes articles and books written by both Pentecostals and non-Pentecostals.
Category: Ministry, Pneuma Review, Winter 2002
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