The True Church

On Wednesday night I was out for coffee and overheard a conversation between two priests. It was interesting to listen to something that I knew was not meant for my ears, but spoke to my faith at the same time. They were discussing the idea of the true church and parts of the conversation made me fairly angry. I was raised in the Presbyterian tradition and now regularly attend an Anglican church which speaks more deeply to my faith and my needs. I don't particularly like the Catholic church for various reasons, not the least of which being that I would never be allowed to preach in one.

In the past week, the Pope has spoken to proclaim that the Catholic tradition is the only "true" way to worship. I disagree with that on so many levels. I live in a community that worships in many ways. We have Catholic, Anglican, United and Taize services. Occasionally we also have Jewish and Muslim prayers. Our heart of worship is not the liturgy that we use, it is the people who we live and worship with.

I will never be so bold as to claim that where I worship is the only true church. To make a claim such as that would be exclusive and not inclusive. It would turn people away who do not have the same heart I do. It would not allow for the great amount of diversity that is found in so many other faces and minds. Where I worship is indeed a church and a good one. I don't think that it speaks to everyone though. Sometimes the message is too intense and not what people can handle in their lives. Other times it is not enough and they need to hear more.

I don't think there is one true church in the world. To claim that makes faith exclusive and it's not. To be a church is supposed to show the love of God in the world and that is best shown with open doors and an open table. There is a line from a well known song that says "They will know we are Christians by our love." When we shut our doors and say that we have the exclusive right to acceptance and salvation we are not living that love. We are condemning those around us and not living the lives we are called to live.

The truest church in the world is the one that says "You are my brother. Would you like to join me?" It is the worship that is open and welcoming. It is the hand that reaches out to touch someone who needs help. It is reflecting the love that only God can give. There is no way to contain what a church needs within four walls or one tradition. It is the open heart and open hands that show that best.