Previously I’ve played with ideas surrounding what constitutes the ekklesia (two or more “members”), and its purpose (prayer, study & service). Now I would like to open the door to an issue that in our OC/IC context is historically contentious, and which is intimately woven into both the constitution of the ekklesia and its purpose, that is “agreement”.
“I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt. 18.19-20)
In order for a catholic ekklesia to be effective there must be agreement – there is no escaping this feature. Agreement however, does not mean obedience to an individual, or cadre of persons within the community – this is most certainly not a true ekklesia. Likewise if the ekklesia is not completely representative – if some members refuse to take up the responsibilities of their membership, the catholicity of the ekklesia falters. The true ekklesia cultivates an environment whereby the entire membership participates in, engages with, and contributes to the process by which we achieve agreement – this process, is also known as discernment. Without this culture of discernment, of full participation, there is no true agreement neither is that body a true representative catholic ekklesia.
Engagement, requires a degree of personal, and collective discipline, so that agreement can be achieved, and both individual members, and the whole “person” of the ekklesia are built up (1Thes. 5.11). This discipline – so often elusive in our communities – is not optional, rather it is an integral part of our “membership” and an expression of our baptismal vocation to “be” Christ in the World.
Agreement (and its accompanying feature – engagement) is an essential if we are to experience the fullness of the purpose of being members of the ekklesia – prayer, study, and service need the mind and talent of the assembly if they are to be realised. Jesus said if you agree on what is to be prayed about it will be granted. Likewise if the ekklesia agrees on a matter of service – it will come to fruition; if it agrees on an issue for study – the fruit of that engagement enriches the whole ekklesia, and points to new areas of discovery and understanding our faith.
Agreement is an important feature of any move towards greater unity and understanding among individual communities in our tradition. Unity will never come, because someone popped his or her head over the parapet in a news-group or blog, and said lets fashion for ourselves a lasting union. Indeed – this oft repeated scenario has very strong echoes of another story . . . . about a tower! If there is first no agreement within the communities that are approaching one another, there can be no agreement among communities.
The reason for this is very simple. If one or both bodies are not whole – if they are not catholic ekklesia then there is no possibility for the two to become one (Gn. 2.23-25) – and to enjoin themselves to the other fully, knowingly, and in full agreement.
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