By Billy Hall, Contributor
Evangelical students leader,
Las Newman (with microphone in hand) offers answers to some of the concerns raised on the floor while Canon Ernle Gordon looks on.
THE 16TH century Western Church Reformation was about division but the 21st Church Reformation seems to be about the opposite reconciliation. That observation seems to sum up developments at last week's Reformation forum in Kingston.
The forum, dubbed 'Horizons of the Reformation: The Church in the 16th and 21st Centuries', was held at the Grace Missionary Church, West Avenue, Kingston 8, last Wednesday, as Mind&Spirit, the Gleaner's religion feature collaborated with Grace Missionary, in an unusual partnership, perhaps the first of its kind. At the forum, theologians and church historians of divergent traditions presented their views, but the significant difference between 500 years ago is that peace prevailed. Then, when European leaders of thought discussed the affairs of the Church, the setting was tense, the language bitter, and lives at risk.
In contrast, the participants last Wednesday found themselves in a setting that was relaxed, the language was affirming, and nobody's life was at risk. Representing the three major 'Horizons on the Reformation' to a modest and appreciative mixed church audience were Anglican Canon Ernle P. Gordon (Magisterial Horizon), Dr. Las Newman, widely recognised Caribbean Church historian (Evangelical Horizon), and Deacon Ronald Thwaites (Catholic Horizon).
Interestingly, the first item on the programme was the singing of Martin Luther's inspiring and enduring hymn, embraced by Catholics and Protestants, 'A Mighty Fortress is our God', compiled while the famous Reformer lived in a fortress, enjoying political protection.
CONTEMPORARY CHURCH MUSIC
The tune of this popular hymn, Church historians say, was borrowed from saloon patrons, and so the observation is important, for the Reformation brought to the Church a burst of creativity that transcended doctrines. Also, this point serves to highlight the great part music played in the Reformation, and so points to the fact that contemporary Church music is undergoing again fundamental change, such as borrowing from reggae for the mass, and in general, highlighting the emotional over the rational. It is with appreciation for that kind of creativity with reconciliation reality that Deacon Thwaites, who was the first presenter, challenged the Church to be 'always in the process of reform'. Nevertheless, he warned against dealing with theological issues in a shoddy manner, becoming 'rigid' in the 'interpretation of revelation and its exegesis'.
In referring to the history of theological discussions, he spoke with regret concerning the persecution of so many who died then, and as well, over the centuries, because of their differing views, Catholics and Protestants. He expressed the hope that advances in understanding and tolerance gained will be respected, so that 'on a night such as this we do no injustice to them'. Instead, he argued, with solemnity on his face and passion in his voice, that rather, the accounts of their experiences might be used to advantage, as today we go over how they struggled 'to answer the question, How can I be saved'.
The second presenter, Dr. Las Newman, (Caribbean) Regional Secretary of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, declared that in theological wrestling that Luther initiated for better understanding concerning Salvation, some radical or extreme views and groups emerged, broadly identified under the heading 'Evangelical', and termed by the Swiss Reformer Ulrich Zwingli, 'Anabaptists'. He identified five Anabaptist groups, connected mostly for the individualism they brought to their protests. Some were more extreme than others, but all sought to break sharply with the monolithic and ritualistic Roman Catholic Church system of the day. Some took mystic flight, he pointed out, while others took arms to fight. Also, he said, some were simply heretical, with a faulty Christology, leading to their rejection of orthodox belief.
The third presenter, Rev. Canon Ernle P. Gordon, Rector of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin since 1972, and a well-known media personality, in addressing the Magisterial Horizon, accounted for the emergence of the Lutheran Church, and the English Church, both of which stayed closer to Rome than the churches of the other Reformation traditions.
His big point was that despite differences highlighted in the 16th century between Catholics and Reformers, in contemporary times recognition has to be made of the significant advance to close the gap. In this regard he noted that Lutheran clergy in Jamaica can preach in Anglican churches, and can serve at the altar. And that Anglo-Catholic fellowship is constantly improving.
INTERESTING VIEWS
After his presentation, and following a brief comment by Pastor Bruce Lesemann of the Lutheran Church in Jamaica, the forum was thrown open to the floor. By then, Deacon Thwaites had left, as he had another engagement, and so the two other presenters fielded the questions. This period brought out some interesting views, as the Moderator attempted to get some specifics for church strategy today. The issue that drew most response in this period of presenters and audience feedback, had to do with Rev. Canon Gordon's statement that human beings are 'born good very good'. The lively discussion on this point was carried out with much respect for opposing views, and with fine decorum.
The Gleaner has in recent years convened town hall type meetings on a range of issues, notably, the economy, parish development and crime. The forum, Horizons of the Reformation represented the newspaper's first foray into the domain of religion. Members of the audience, as well as the presenters, spoke in high praise of The Gleaner Company, for it partnership with Grace Missionary Church in such a forum.
Deacon Ronnie Thwaites, who led the charge, made his remarks on the heels of identifying several Jamaican 'heroes of faith' Catholic and Protestant living and passed on whose work advanced significantly the ecumenical movement in the island.
He mentioned church leaders such as the late Roman Catholic clerics John J. McEleney, Samuel Carter, and Gladstone Wilson, the late Baptist minister Cowell Lloyd, the Methodist minister, C. Evans Bailey, and the United Church's Richmond Nelson, as well as 'so many others'.
At that point in his presentation he added, "I thank The Gleaner too, because it is exceptional that in the company's maturity, being 169 years old, it has so recognised the importance of such topics.
RARE OCCASION
Dr. Las Newman extended congratulations to the Gleaner Company, "This is a rare occasion. I am not sure that anywhere else in the Caribbean may be found this kind of collaborative effort".
Canon Ernle Gordon also lauded The Gleaner hinting that the church community took too long to recognise the importance of discussions on the Reformation and therefore had to be little embarrassed that it took The Gleaner to get them talking about a matter that is of direct relevance to ecumenical movement.
