August 15, 2000

Task forces of the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship, and the United Church of God, an International Association, met in Memphis, Tennessee, August 14-15, for talks they characterized as being very open, positive and laying a groundwork for future progress and goodwill.

The respective councils of the two church organizations initiated these meetings in May, as a positive step toward striving for "the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). Foundational to this action was the recognition that both groups essentially shared common views on the following points: both recognize the other as brethren and members of the true Church of God; both want a closer relationship and interaction; both want to do the work that God has ordained for the Church; both have common bonds through family, tradition and doctrinal understanding; both mutually respect the other as a result of the number of years spent working together as peers.

However, both groups also recognized the reality that other issues have impeded good relationships, and commissioned the task forces to candidly examine all of these areas. In preparation for these sessions, members and ministers from both organizations submitted a significant number of questions and concerns, as well as general encouragement for this process. Their input formed the basis for the discussions and, by being able to address them forthrightly, members of the task forces felt they took a giant forward step toward future cooperation and reconciliation.

Much of the first day's talks addressed doctrinal and administrative issues. Prior to meeting, the groups had exchanged their statements on fundamental beliefs, as well as all the doctrinal questions and issues they would be asked. Each group was therefore able to provide answers -- many in the form of booklets, articles, and study papers -- that could demonstrate its official teaching. The task force discussions often went much further than the original inquiries, however, as each group freely asked follow-up questions. Much of the dialogue also centered around understanding why certain questions were raised, why perceptions are held about each group's views, and why people have concerns about doctrinal integrity on various issues. Of particular value was the opportunity to hear explanations, or see in print the written positions, on all of these issues. The task forces mutually concluded that the official doctrinal positions of the two groups are essentially the same.

Also discussed at length were views of governance, administrative systems, the origins of each group's organization and subsequent events that took place, and common perceptions held by members and ministers about the other church. Again, they found similar ground in governance and administration, better understanding of why and how the two groups began, and whether many of the concepts people hold are real or perceived.

Clearly emerging from the talks was the fact that many of the barriers that exist stem from past hurts and personal offenses, consequently resulting in various levels of distrust, suspicion or reservations. The task forces agreed that overcoming these relationship problems presents the greatest stumbling block to harmony, but that "striving for the unity of the faith" means that Christians must work hard to overcome such challenges. Realistic, practical solutions to healing will require the humility and courage to lovingly and openly communicate, listen, understand, repent and forgive. The consensus was that true unity can and will be attained through the process of spiritual healing and maturing.

The next step the task forces take will be to bring detailed reports of this meeting to their respective councils and recommendations for the future. Such recommendations include continuing the dialogue begun in Memphis and specific ideas for furthering reconciliation among brethren.

The six members of the task forces -- Norbert Link, George Meeker and Warren Zehrung for CGCF; Roy Holladay, Clyde Kilough and Dennis Luker for UCGIA -- emphasized they enjoyed a comfortable, warm, respectful and harmonious working relationship, and look forward to continuing the efforts toward peace and unity.