Christian Unity (the book) - The Maranatha Community

CHAPTER 5QUOTATIONS ON THE THEME OF CHRISTIAN UNITYAt this point we are going to interrupt the story of attempts to furtherChristian Unity, and gather together a collection of quotations on the themeculled from several centuries, mainly the 20 th Century.Alec Vidler – 20 th Century:‘It is the Church of the saints and martyrs and prophets who have been thelights of the world in their several generations that has the demand uponyour allegiance – not the Church which has been corrupted by wealth andworldly power. But the true Church is embedded in the existing Churches –you will not find it elsewhere.’David Butler – 20 th Century:‘A divided church cannot easily preach reconciliation to individuals, nor toa divided society.’Didachē – 2 nd Century:‘As this bread was scattered upon the mountains and has now beengathered together, so may Thy Church be gathered together from theends of the earth into Thy Kingdom. For Thine is the glory and power,through Jesus Christ for evermore.’Ignatius of Antioch – 2 nd Century:‘You all make up together a single temple of God, one altar, one Jesus.’Dionysius the Areopagite – 5 th Century:‘It is not possible to be gathered towards the One and to partake ofpeaceful union with the One while divided among ourselves.’Page 76