In the context of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the Philippines Central Conference, RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE has the potential to play a powerful role in healing the conflicts that arose during the previous General Conference – from the forming of GMC, the full autonomy of Eurasians, the issues of marriage and sexuality, and even the push by some members to form The Filipino Evangelical Methodist Church (TFEMC). I believe that when we sit and talk with the issues we are facing, without any hidden interest but the interest to remain united, we can accomplish a remarkable task that will ease the tensions affecting our beloved church.
In my perception and understanding, we, as United Methodists, are people gifted with wisdom and discernment. We are intentional to our pursuit of transforming the world by making disciples of Jesus Christ. This pursuit will not thrive if we, ourselves cannot address the tensions that are affecting our testimony. If I’ll be given a chance to episcopal leadership, an intentional religious dialogue shall be my first plan to accomplish. I believe that when we sit and talk about the betterment of the church we are;
Opening Space for Mutual Understanding
Religious dialogue within the UMC can help both sides—the ones staying within the denomination and those pushing for TFEMC—understand each other better. Dialogue is essential for “dismantling stereotypes and misunderstandings that are often exacerbated during periods of schism.”¹ By creating a space for honest conversation, both sides can express their concerns and values, reducing hostility and fostering a spirit of respect which will lead to embrace a reconciling spirit that will help intensify our passion towards unity than schism.
Addressing Historical and Cultural Differences:
The tensions we are facing are not just about recent actions in the GenCon that is now creating a ruckus among our prominent clergy and lay. It also reflect a deeper history of how we have been behaving as a church. The push for TFEMC expresses a desire for a more localized form of Methodism, rooted deeply in our evangelical leaning. It also reflect the need for Filipino Methodists to have an identity that resonates with our own culture relevant to the teachings of the Scripture.
On the other hand, those of us that are staying in the UMC remain to our conservative view of spirituality, hence, we uphold that leaving UMC is not a clever solution at the moment. We believe in a process by which will arrive to the desired goal.
While these may have been escalating the tensions between that inflict wounds to both parties, I maintain my view in congruent to John Paul Lederach ideas that dialogue can be a way of “healing historical wounds and allowing communities to reconcile past grievances.”² Through this process, the United Methodists may find ways to maintain a sense of unity that will allow us to embrace each other for a better reason to dream our desired goal and walk along its process.
Collaborating Toward a Shared Mission:
Despite theological differences, religious dialogue can help both the UMC and the emerging TFEMC focus on shared mission than that of working out their separation. Whether it’s social justice, education, or poverty alleviation, these are missions that we can agree on. Instead of looking for reasons to split, let us find ways to collaborate with each other to be a means of grace for everyone.
I am touch with Pope Francis when he once said that dialogue can “create opportunities for cooperation on shared ethical concerns, even in the midst of division.”³ Focusing on what unites us, such as ministry to the poor or community development, can help foster cooperation and reduce tensions that will weaken our ability to the ministry entrusted in our care.
Preventing Further Division and Strengthening Unity:
The UMC has faced divisions before (the leaving of AIMPhil), while it has not been successfully prevented, it leaves us a painful mark that is now coping its healing process within the span of time. It actually leaves us a lesson to ponder the power of religious dialogue.
While reflecting on how religious dialogue can create as a space of reconciliation and unity, I am impress on how Mohamed Abu-Nimer emphasizes that religious dialogue can “foster a culture of peace and tolerance, reducing the likelihood of lasting division.”⁴ In our United Methodist community, dialogue between those staying within the UMC and those advocating for TFEMC can help to maintain unity if we will come together to seek the leading of God and submit to a clearer process.
Conclusion
Religious dialogue could offer a way forward for the UMC in the Philippines Central Conference. By promoting understanding, healing historical differences, fostering collaboration on shared goals, and reducing the risk of further division, dialogue can be an essential tool in keeping the church unified. It’s crucial that church leaders embrace these conversations with an open heart, seeking both reconciliation and respect for different perspectives.
When we come to sit and talk, it is important for us to leave our personal interest. Let us, in common task, see the interest that will preserve our unity to intensify our mission to make disciples of Christ to transform the world.
Citations
¹ David Ford, The Future of Christian Theology (Wiley-Blackwell, 2011), 116.
² John Paul Lederach, The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace (Oxford University Press, 2005), 76.
³ Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti (Vatican Publishing House, 2020), para. 216.
⁴ Mohamed Abu-Nimer, The Role of Interreligious Dialogue in Peacebuilding (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016), 43.
