Speaking For Humanity
BY TIMOTHY FLEMING, FIRST PLACE WINNER, BROOKLYN 2007
It has been almost a millennium since all of Christianity was united. Sadly for our Church and for all the world, these centuries were draped in conflict between the followers of Christ, wars of words, and wars of bloodshed. However, the trend has been reversed in the last half-century, from the ecumenical language of Vatican II to His Holiness's recent trip to the small Christian community in Turkey. Indeed, I would not be surprised to see a reconciliation with the Eastern Orthodox Church within my lifetime. Reunion with the Protestants is further off, but, by the Grace of God, still possible. However, even if we cannot agree with all the precepts of our Christian family, there are so many ways in which we can still speak as one. The wording of our creeds separate us, but our commitment to human freedom in the name of Almighty God unites all Christianity. How can Catholicism work with other Christian churches to be a voice for the whole human family?
Christianity, despite a growth in secularism, remains the premier moral voice for much of the world. Churches no longer control governments, but they can serve a greater purpose as the conscience of secular governments. In the developing world, Catholicism and the growing Protestant presence must follow the example of men like Oscar Romero and Desmond Tutu. Namely, the servants of God must fearlessly confront those who would do evil in the world. Many strongholds of religion occur where tyranny holds sway, such as Sub-Saharan Africa. It is here that men and women who will speak up and serve as an example help the most. However, we in America, and in the rest of the world, can still serve our purpose. It seems that all too often we lose sight of that most constant biblical injunction, to help the poor. By demanding this service of all followers, Christian Churches can help provide the despondent with the care and goods they so desperately need. Working separately, we are doing so much. Imagine the possibilities of a charity with the greatest hearts and minds of Catholicism, Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism, and all the other branches of Christianity behind it. The possibilities are endless.
The last, and maybe the most important way Christianity can serve as a voice for the entire community of mankind is by reaffirming a commitment to freedom of belief for all the world. I believe that His Holiness Benedict XVI should issue a declaration condemning all forms of religious intolerance, as well as violence in the name of God. He should invite all Christian Churches to add their names to this declaration. In doing so, Christianity will finally be able to move, as a unit, beyond the intolerant past, and will show doubters that true followers of Christ do not condone hatred. By denouncing the hatred of times past, the People of God will hasten the kingdom of God on this Earth.
The Brooklyn Tablet and the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement's 2007 Week of Prayer for Christians Unity Student Essay Contest - First Place Entry
