A Declaration of Interdependence

“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.”  (Ephesians 4:11-16)

As the United States celebrates again Independence Day, our United Methodist denomination celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. There are many parallels between the establishment of this country and the history of our Church, but there is one significant and abiding difference. While the nation celebrates “independence,” our Church celebrates interdependence.

Many theories of human development rest upon a three-stage process of maturing and growth. Initially, human beings are completely dependent upon others for survival, nurture, learning, growth, comfort and security. An infant is virtually helpless, and in many ways is powerless to care for itself. However, childhood and adolescence are periods of continuous testing, trying, and breaking free. Human beings strive to move from dependence to independence – to move from complete reliance on others to a healthy and productive ability to provide for one’s self. This is normal, natural, and necessary. But it is incomplete and unsustainable in civilized society. There is yet one more stage of development that moves us from a self-centered independence to a mature and inclusive interdependence. True strength, security, and survival is not a solo effort, but truly we are stronger together than we are alone.

It has been said that diversity focuses on our differences, but that pluralism focuses on the value of our differences. An independent worldview celebrates the uniqueness and difference of each individual, while an interdependent worldview celebrates synergy – how each gift and contribution makes the whole greater than the sum of the parts. Fully formed individuals make for a healthy and holistic community. This is a vision central to Jesus’ teaching and the gospel message. The body of Christ is a powerful image of radical and fundamental interdependence. It is what we aspire to as the Church.

Read full article...