Toward Christian Unity: A historical look at hopes and methods for uniting Protestant churches
This edition presents the Christian Unity Movement’s proposals for closer cooperation among non-episcopal churches and the Episcopal Church. It examines how lay and clerical leaders argued for practical steps that could bridge denominational divides, including shared ordination and mutual counsel, while acknowledging the real obstacles ahead.
The text lays out a concrete plan for how ministers from different traditions might serve across communions, the need for canonical safeguards, and the broad vision of a church life that emphasizes unity without erasing diversity. It also reflects on the debates that followed, showing how candidates, bishops, and church bodies weighed the risks and rewards of greater fellowship.
- Understand the key ideas behind early 20th-century ecumenical efforts
- See how ordination, doctrine, and worship could be approached across denominations
- Learn about the challenges and conversations that shaped the movement
- Get a sense of the tone and hopes of church leaders seeking healing and unity
Ideal for readers interested in church history, ecumenism, and the development of Christian unity movements.
Frederick R. Lynch is a government professor at Claremont McKenna College and the author of "Invisible Victims" and "The Diversity Machine".