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Charles Whitehead , who is chairman of the English National Service Committee, emphasizes the importance of unity on all levels within the Catholic Charismatic Renewal if we are to be effective communicators of the Gospel.
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new call to Unity |
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This special Year of the Eucharist is a good time to consider the subject of unity in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR). When we use the word "unity", we often think about the growing dialogue and co-operation with our brothers and sisters in other ecclesial communities and church traditions. This is very important, and in his encyclical letter "Ut Unum Sint" Pope John Paul II reminds us that all Catholics are called to a full commitment to the ecumenical journey, which includes shared prayer, dialogue, co-operation and joint witness. But the call to unity is also important within our own charismatic groups, communities, schools and ministries, so let's take this opportunity to consider ways in which we can be more united in our Catholic charismatic family. Some good progress is already being made, but there is much more to do. "Highly diverse collection" Since it began in 1967, the CCR has never been a single unified worldwide movement, but a highly diverse collection of individuals, groups, communities and special ministries, often quite independent of one another and with different callings. One of our most notable characteristics is the enormous variety of expressions and ministries which feel at home in the charismatic renewal "family". The groups, communities and ministries in the CCR feel closely related, but they do not see the need to be fully integrated into a large structure. We know that the main purpose of the CCR is to help people receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, not to build up a big charismatic organisation. So we concentrate on relationships and networks rather than on structures, knowing that we all share the same goal of seeing the lives of individual men and women changed by the Holy Spirit, who brings alive the graces of our baptism and pours out new power and gifts to equip us for service and mission. But this diversity, and the lack of an authoritative central structure, does not mean that we do not have to be in unity. When we look at the history of the CCR, we become aware that there have been many divisions and broken relationships. This is something for which we need to repent - our divisions are scars on the face of the CCR and they undermine our witness to the Church and the world. The reasons for division are important and cannot be ignored, but the call to a new unity is even more important. The challenge we face is to establish this new unity at many different levels - between individuals, groups and committees, schools, communities, and special ministries. Nor must we overlook the need for unity between nations and with the ethnic groups present in our countries. During the last two years I have been involved with the leaders of the CCR in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales in building a new unity, and we are starting to work together in exciting new ways. I believe it's essential that there is greater unity among all the leaders of the CCR - the example must come from the top. This calls for humility and hard work, as we seek reconciliation with other leaders where we have had disagreements and problems. But if our unity is to grow we must build these new relationships and restore personal friendships. We need to get to know one another better, to share, pray, and relax together, and then to find ways in which we can demonstrate our new unity. "Importance of shared vision" Where a country has a National Service Committee (NSC) and where there are regional and local Service Committees, we should try to make sure that the members include people from prayer groups, communities, and special ministries. When a vision is discerned together, the work of the CCR will move forward much more strongly, and it's then important for the leaders to communicate the vision to all their people. Working in unity is not just a good idea or a new way to keep us busy - it's the will of the Father and the desire of Jesus. In Ephesians 4:2 Paul exhorts us: "Do all you can to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together." In Ephesians 1:10 we read that "he (the Father) will bring everything together under Christ", and in John 17:21 Jesus prays "May they all be one". Where there is unity the Gospel moves forward with greater power, but where we find division there is always frustration, a lack of love, and little respect for others - all of which gives a very bad witness to the Church and the world. So let's commit ourselves again to the work for unity in the CCR starting among the leaders, and as we do so let's be full of hope. We know we can put our trust in the Holy Spirit, and we should be encouraged by the words of Psalm 133: "How good, how delightful it is to live as brothers all together ……for there the Lord bestows his blessing, everlasting life." Then others will be able to say: "See how much these charismatics love one another!"
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