“Ecumenical Christianity and Its Implications for Christian Science”

Kinnamon, Michael. “Ecumenical Christianity and Its Implications for Christian Science.” Ecumenical Trends 41, no. 10 (2012): 1–3.

This published article was an address at The Mother Church in Boston, July 9, 2012. Although Kinnamon’s prior exposure to Christian Science was based on stereotypes, he welcomed a new opportunity to bring the Christian Science Church into ecumenical relationship. He explained that ecumenism is based on relationships of trust and friendship, witnessing the grace of God in one another. It is not getting Christians to become homogeneous but to engage in witness together when possible. Contours of the church are determined by the Holy Spirit, not doctrinal restrictions. He noted the Christian Science Church might have been reluctant to participate in the ecumenical movement because of its desire to preserve the distinctive gifts God has entrusted to it. When treated as a cult by some, it is difficult to trust those gifts will be taken seriously. But Kinnamon listed benefits of sharing gifts: from Christian Science, a gift would include God’s power to heal; another Christian Science gift is that the Christian faith must be practiced, not merely believed and proclaimed. Christian Science can also learn from others, especially what scriptures and other communions say about the role of community. He affirmed his invitation for Christian Science to participate in National Council of Churches communions because of their value.

ISSN: 0360-9073