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Ecumenism

Updated: Feb 10



CFBU practices a form of interdenominational camaraderie that seeks to foster unity among traditional Christians from a variety of traditions, while also respecting their distinctiveness. Although the ministry was founded by Protestants, we are blessed to have employees, volunteers, and board members from an array of Christian backgrounds.


Our approach acknowledges all faithful Christians who uphold the authority of the Bible as a definitive guide for faith and practice across denominations. We seek to embody Christ’s prayer in John 17:21, "that they may all be one," celebrating our shared faith through a variety of languages and cultural expressions.



The Nicene Creed as an Important Unifying Foundation

While the Bible is the foundation of all we do, we have found help in the summary of the Faith as preserved in the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed’s affirmation of "one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church" inspires our collaborative efforts based on a unity in purpose and rooted in a historic understanding of the Faith, one which transcends denominational lines. We seek to provide a visible unity in the Faith across denominational, cultural and linguistic expressions.


The Nicene Creed also helps to transcend denominational boundaries, serving as a theological anchor and helping us to transcend our personal denominational differences. Articulating core beliefs in the Trinity, the divinity and humanity of Christ, and the hope of salvation, this creed helps to unite our diverse team. This shared foundation allows us to focus on what unites us, fostering cooperation that strengthens our work. Whether a Methodist volunteer, a Baptist employee, or a Reformed board member, all affirm the Nicene Creed and a traditional understanding of the Faith, enabling us to collaborate with confidence in our common Christian identity.



Dealing Graciously with Denominational Differences

A key principle of our approach is dealing graciously with denominational differences. Rather than allowing these preferences to divide us, we encourage gracious dialogue, seeking to understand each other's perspectives and find common ground in our belief in the authority of the Bible, the Nicene Creed and our common mission. We seek to live by the biblical call to "bear with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2) as we learn from each other.


Our staff, volunteers and board members come from a variety of Christian traditions, but are united by our approach to biblical unity. We seek to navigate denominational differences in personal conversations—such as the Anglican emphasis on the sacraments or the Reformed focus on sola scriptura—with understanding, humility, patience and grace. We want to promote an environment where people can engage in honest dialogue rooted in mutual respect.


This approach seeks to dispel misunderstandings and build trust, enabling our team to work cohesively. Unlike syncretism, which blends beliefs from non-Christian frameworks into a homogenized faith, our approach aims to respect the integrity of each denomination.



Historic Christian Faith vs. Progressive Christianity

Our approach to ecumenism is grounded in a traditional understanding of the Christian faith. This differs significantly from the progressive Christian approach, which reinterprets or redefines core doctrines to align with contemporary cultural norms, often prioritizing inclusivity over historical orthodoxy. While progressive ecumenism may seek broader unity by minimizing doctrinal distinctions, our ministry embraces the traditional approach, unifying around the Bible's unchanging truth.



Challenges and Opportunities

We recognize that our approach to interdenominational unity may be challenging for some, particularly when navigating deeply held personal convictions. Debates among colleagues over ecclesiology or sacramental theology occasionally arise in our interpersonal communications with one another. Yet, by anchoring our work in the Word of God, and as expressed by the Nicene Creed, we can approach doctrinal differences graciously. We try to turn these challenges into learning opportunities. Our team appreciates the richness of each tradition while remaining united in the Faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).



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