Unity of the Church: Not in spite of

or in the midst of but only

bymeans of diversity
David Muthukumar

INTRODUCTION
Anyone reading the Gospels or the Pauline writings will surely
not miss theemphatic utterance on the need for unity within the
Church. This ideal of the unity of the believers that is required
within the called-out community-the
Ekklesia/Church-is a
given prerequisite for the existence of the Church. Such unity
is captured in several metaphoric representations, such as the
organic unity of a human body or the vine tree. However, one
Would not also fail to take note of the fact that how often this
ideal of unity is disrupted in the early Christian
Paul's strong rebuke to the churches reminding communities.
them of their
divisions,despite addressing them as "saints" is indeed a case in
point. The distortion of unity that is prevalent in
Christian communities is a mere reflection of thiscontemporary
man tendency to disunite! But, we need to ponderperennial hu
whether any
or all diversity is an aberration to the ideal
unity; therefore,to attain the desired unity, ofmaintaining perfect
are we obligated to
56 TBT Journal 2023:1
 t constitute the diversity? Firstlywe will
distinctivesthat
shedour
look.atthe concept of unity as it is understood in the Scripture
and alsointthe Christian communities and move on to tackle
that"menace off diversity.
The concept of Church unity is primarily derived from the
Lord Jesus Christ's teachings as he invites his followers to be
unitedin their faith in him even as he constitutes the head of
the Church-the called-out community. Also, the unity of the
Church is rooted in the deep conviction that God'speople,despite
all their differences, are united to God by faith in Jesus Christ.
The horizontal' unity among believers manifests the primary
vertical' unity of humanity to God in Christ. Furthermore, the
Church's unity reflects the essential unity of God in Godself
that the church is called to worship. The Trinity of the Father,
Son, and Spirit, as worshipped by the Church, provides the very
concept of unity for the community of believers. The Scripture
also asserts the "one God - one church" formula by which the
Church is united and ought to remain so. However, achieving
this unity is an elusive ideal as it is customary for us to revel in
our differences, both perceived and real, than in conceiving our
united identity in our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Indian contextas
anation comprised ofmany 'nations,-along with our linguistic,
regional, and ethnicdifferences, the inadvertent denominational
barriers imposed by Western missionshave severely impacted
us to seek
Our attempt at unity. However, it is incumbent upon
the
this ideal unity that is necessary to our relationship with
"one God and one Lord."
SCRIPTURAL BASIS
from the
As mentioned above, the primary call for unity is
Word of God, and it is given in the most emphatic fashion. Jesus'
one as he
prayer in John 17 that "they [his disciples] may be Paul's
and the Father are one denotes this fundamental reality.

TBTJournal 2023:1 57
call to the churches toward unity alsofollows along these
lines
Specific passages such as Ephesians 4:1-6 and 1
12:12-27 illustrate the need for unity among believers Corinthians
as this
unity constitutes our primary identity in Christ. This need for
unityamong believers is based on the common bond of faith in
Jesus Christ. Furthermore, passages such as John
17:20-23 and
Philippians 2:1-1lillustrate the need for the church to be united
in mission, focusing on loving one another and
one's selfish ambition to serve God and others. The setting aside
scriptural
injunctions for church unity point to the need for believers to
be united in our common faith and
mission that
God in Christ and is sustained by the power of originates from
the Holy Spirit.
The unity that is rooted in the faith,
theuniversal Church is the ideal unitymission,
that the
and ministry of
gates the churches to strive for. Therefore, ChurchScripture obli
unity can be
inferred as the unity and cooperation among different
denominations and churches because we, as Christians,Christian believe
this unity is essential as it reflects the unity of the
our call and mission to witness the love of Trinity and
Christ to the world.
Further, in the observance of theHoly Communion, our
Christ is realized. The celebration ofthe Lord's unity in
symbolizes the invisible union that we all share Supper/Eucharist
as
Christ and is a sign of the anticipation of the reign of followers
of
we, as "many break bread together, our union with God. When
realized (1 Christ is
Corinthians 12:13).
HISTORICAL PRECEDENTS
While we have some serious challenges in the Indian
church
context-especially the denominational "group identities and
caste, regional and ethnic affinities-yet we can take a leaf out of
the formation of the Church of South India (CSI) in 1947
(and
the subsequent formation ofChurch of North India in 1970). The
denominational barriers that were inadvertently introduced by
missionaries should have remained alien to the Indian Churchs
58 TBTJournal 2023:1
jdentity. Unfortunately,,these.
these denominationalboundaries have
becomeso entrenched in the psyche of the
Indian churches that
ther, .formed their group identities around these
divisions.
This development hass wedgeda deep separationamongthe Indian
Christian1communities. Nevertheless, the formation of CSI has
Indian
inaugurated anew phase in Indian Church history as varying
traditions--Anglican,,Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian,
Reformed-all came together to constitute a unifiedchurch
body. CSI was inaugurated on September 1947 after protracted
nesotiations among the concerned churches. The Episcopal,
Presbyterian, and Congregational denominations could come
union.
together and be partof this ecumenical
However, it has to benoted that whilethe original discussions
Tranquebar
concerning the union had begun at a conference at in 1947,
(Taranganmbadi)in 1919, it could be concluded onlyunion that
The ecumenical
after India attained independence.
through CSIformation is indeed a unique attempt
took shape non-Episcopal traditions
Episcopal and
at church unity as thedifferences and form the union. This served
could negotiate their manifestation of the ecclesiastical
visible
as an instance of the Consequently, the Church of
church.
unity of the universal 29th November 1970 as
the
born on
North India (CNI) was actualized by bringing together
venture was
Same ecumenical denominational churches in North India.
the many different and CNI formation denotes
thattheCSl
Yet, it should be noted as they negotiated a commonlit
"organic" union of churches church order inorder
an theologicalclaims, and
doctrinal and ecumenical endeavors need not
urgy, union. But all possible.
to constitute this might not evern be
such organic unityasit possible unlesschurches
be focused on unity will not be lother diferences and
Church
Nevertheless,
theirdoctrinal and Christ; this
away
are ready to keepunited under the Lordship ofJesus
be able to effectively
to be
De willing empowertheglobal church to
alone could TBTJournal 2023:1 59
 serve in the witness and mission of the universal I Church. Ar
this becomes even more desirable as contemporary And,
ecumenjcal
eftorts also needto incorporatethe pentecostal, charismatic and
independent churches that have experienced exponential growth
in the past few decades.
DESPITE OR BY MEANS OF DIVERSITY?
Though denominational divisions are an extraneous real
ity that has stuck with the churches' identity, they also reflect
human plurality and diversity. Also, denominational identities
have served as a dissenting voice against religious
and protected certain theological emphases and traditionshegemony
of
the Church. Denominational voices also have
resisted homog
enizing power influences and thus safeguarding the interests of
the minority. Christians ought tocelebrate the diversity
thechurch, recognizing that each individual and within
denomination
brings unique gifts and insights to the body of Christ.
alongside the organicunity--on the lines of CSI and CNI Therefore,
forms of ecumenical unity also need to be strived for. other
tempts can facilitate the "non-mainline churches Such at
coming into
dialogue and participating in wider Christian fellowship.
current scenario ofincreasing majoritarian religious In the
and persecution against Indian nationalism
Christian
unity is vital for preserving Christian witnesscommunities, such
and mission.
Theneed for unity among usas
option but a mandate laid by the Lord followers of Christ is not an
to glean certain pertinent of the Church. In order
lessons in achieving this unity, let us
reflect briefly on the Scriptural text from Paul's
sians, chapter 4, verses11through 16. Verse 1l epistle to Ephe
gift to the Church--the varied mentions Christs
roles/ofices and the appointed
individuals to fulfill these responsibilities
teachers, evangelists, and pastors. This can beasread
apostles, prophetS
in tandem with
1Corinthians 12, where
Paul lists different gifts being
bestowed
60 TBTJournal 2023:1
 community of
onthe
believers by the Holy Spirit. These
the analogy of different
asin
organs gifts,
unityofthebody, are to be exercised byconstituting
t
the
the organic
and said
maturity of the body, the individuals for
thegrowth
bodyis neither only the eye nor the ear, Church. the whole
As
the body of the Church
is also not a
conformed unity but beautiful diversity. Thus,the
inference of this passageisthat1 unlike what often we
unityis the nornmative andand diversity is an assume, that
aberration, I
it is God's will that diversity is the normative and unitybelieve
is the
desired outcome to be accomplished through diversity--and
nat merely in themidst ofor even in spite of--but by the very
means of diversity.
Therefore, even the denominational distinctive are not to
be abolished but to be celebrated. However,caution needs to be
sounded here so that our differences--denominational, regional,
language, ethnicity, or any other identity markers-serve mere
ly as identity markers and not become entrenched boundary
markers that divide us and them." And, our differences based
on our social and territorial locations or any other contingent
factors becoming identity markers are inevitable as even the Early
Jeru
Church had to assume certain territorial identities such as
Minor, etc.
salem church, Antiochean church, churches of Asia
they are
Therefore, identity markers per se are not problematic;However,
diversity.
natural and also contribute to the beauty of
serving as superficial
when these differences, instead of merely and segregate, then
divide
Identity markers,could be used to celebrate our
major liability. We should learn to
1t Decomnes a superiority or inferiority
diversity without presuming any
those notions.
onwards, Paul refers to the outcome of
Further, from verse 12 the Lord--to attain spiri-
the diverse offices/roles/gifts given by ofChrist. This
united under the headship
ual maturity bybeing of conscious effort on the part ofleaders
Signifies the necessity TBTJournal 2023:1 61
 and believersto realizethis unity. In otherrwords,
intentional" We often nthink that unity is "Unityis always
normative andd
is an aberration. However, given the fallen nature of
disunity is normative, and unity has to be
disuni
humanity,ty
constantly
for. All that we take for granted could be dismantled strived
we do not pay attention and continually seek its one dayif
very much applies to the unity of the Church too. Ifwelfare. That
we put into
the right use the gifts of the Lord, the diverse offices,
responsibilities, we will be able to build and maintain roles, and
unity. Seeing the prevalent disunity among Indian-ChristianChristian
communities, it is obvious that we have not intentionally sought
the maturity of unity in Christ. Paul follows this exhortationto
seek maturity by chastising and cautioning the Ephesians not to
be immature, unlike infants. Though this shift in reference from
maturity to immaturity is sudden, we can infer that any disunity
in our communities is just an indication of our
we fail to consider in humility "others better than
immaturity as
ourselves."
(Phil. 2.3) Therefore, these three lessons: i) Unity is
only by means of diversity, ii) Unity is always possible
intentional, and
ii) Disunity is a sign of our immaturity, should provide us
comprehensive guidelines as we intentionally seek unity among
Indian Christian communities.
PRAXIS POSSIBILITIES
Christians, especially the Indian Christians, could pursue
the unity of churches through the
following efforts:
"Praying for unity: Christians should pray for
different denominations and churches. They needunity among
to pray and
work so that God might bring about
eration among all believing reconciliation and co0P
communities.
"Dialoguing with one another: Christians can engaz in
dialogue with members of otherdenominations or churches
learn about their doctrinal beliefs and liturgical/worship prac-
62 TBT Journal
2023:1
tices inorderto find common ground. Such intended learning
sin stereotypes.
nclear prejudices and
.Participating in jont worship and service: Christians can
Come together
for worship and service projects, regardless of
denomination, as awayway to demonstrate unity in action.
, Workingtowards a common mission: Christians can work
together towards common goals, such as caring for the poor or
advocating for social justice, as a way to build unity and coop-
eration.
church unity
. As noted earlier, it is important to note that
necessarily mean that all denominations or churches
does not
every doctrine or practice. Rather, it means that
must agree on
respect and appreciate one another's differences
Christians can common goals.
while seeking to work together towards
CONCLUSION
Christians, we should celebrate our diversity and
As Indian our diversity. We need
in Christ through
strive toward that unity being united by the same gos
we are
to appropriate the fact that by the apostles. Through our
proclaimed
pel as interpreted andonly we can build and maintain the unity
intentional striving, differences in doctrines and
Regardless of all
of the Church. unity in their common
affirm their
practices, churches should their shared mission to spread the
in
faith in Jesus Christ and church unity is not always easy
While
gospel andserve others. goal for us as it will define the scope
achieve, it is an inevitable unity, asthe Lord
to witness. Our
mission and the unity within
and impact of our truthfully reflect
desired and prayed for, will fully realizing God's purposes
her toward the first
the Godhead and leadVisser 't Hooft ofthe Netherlands,together
A,
Tor the world. W. WCC, wrote,"We do not come foundation
GeneralISecretary of thebegin by finding a common
thes
people who have to Thatfoundation has beenlaid; estarting
for their relationships. TBTJOurnal 2023:1 63
 ther
point is given. We seek koinonia (communion), because
submission to Christ
is koinonia (Fellowship) in our common
not to an inactive Christ but to the living Christ who gathers his
scattered children together.' So, it is not altogether our striving.
the world
but we are only joining God in His actions toward
The Holy Spirit brings together diferent people and their gifts
be
and abilities to build up the community. This koinonia should
realized and made manifest in the midst ofa shattered world. The
call of God for the Church to minister to the world's brokenness
by being salt and light can only be realized if we consciousy
seek and act toward this unity. As Paul exhorts the believers in
Rome to "accept one anotherjust as Christ accepted you, in order
to bring praise to God let us forfeit our selfish ambitions and
mend our ways to bring praise to our God through our unity in
Christ. (Romans 15:7 NIV)

Rev. Dr. David Muthukumar S., Ph.D., is working as an Associate Professor

and Head of the Deparment of Theology at SAIACS, Bangalore. Heis an
ordained minister of the CNIMumbai Diocese.
64 TBT Journal 2023:1