April 28-29: Ecumenical Crusade

Once upon a time, there was an “Ecumenical Crusade” (a kind of convention or rally) that was being held in a large city. Every imaginable type of Christian was in attendance for this unprecedented event. Their goal was greater unity and a renewed sense of purpose as people tried to work together, doing whatever they could do, to bring the Good News of eh Gospel to the world.

On the first day of this grand gathering, all of a sudden, the parish secretary from the Catholic group rushed in shouting, “The building’s on fire! The building’s on fire!” Confusion reigned as each Church group came together and did what came naturally:

The Methodists gathered in the corner to pray.

The Baptists cried, “Where’s the water?”

The Quakers quietly praised God for the blessings that fire brings.

The Lutherans posted a notice on the door declaring that the fire was evil.

The Catholics passed a plate to cover the damages.

The Unitarians reasoned that the fire would burn itself out if just given the chance.

The Congregationalists shouted, “Every man for himself.” 

The Fundamentalists proclaimed, “It’s the vengeance of God.” 

The Episcopalians formed a procession and marched out.

The Christian Scientists concluded that there was no real fire.

The Presbyterians appointed a chairperson to appoint a committee to look into the matter and make a written report.

And the same parish secretary who had shouted the warning in the first place, (much-dismayed at all of this), grabbed a fire extinguisher and put the fire out! Sometimes, you’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do.