Do we need "New Fire" for Ecumenism to work among Young Adults?

Today and tomorrow I am taking part in the New Fire Young Adult Gathering in New Orleans, Louisiana as part of being a Young Adult Steward for the National Council of Churches, USA Centennial Gathering.

New Fire is a "network" that is trying to define who they are and the role they can play in Ecumenical Young Adult Ministry.  Personally I think New Fire has much potential in being a network that helps to facilitate and support ecumenism on a grass roots level by providing awareness, outreach and seed grants for local ecumenical projects.

After spending a day with New Fire, I hope that they can refine their message and spread it!  Then congregations and organizations would be aware of a network that can support cooperative ecumenical ministry to young adults at the local level.

A concern that I had was the fear that in order to be effective ecumenical and not risk offending anyone at the table we need to "water down" who we are.  I firmly believe that in order for ecumenism to be effective and for true unity in the church to be realized we need, to then, be open and honest with one another.  There is the potential that New Fire and organizations like it could intentionally or unintentionally be anti-denominational.  This would be a result of a "watering down" process for the sake of "unity" which I believe would be disastrous and create a false unity with little or no direction.

We need to be who we are so that we can appreciate the unity and diversity that is present throughout the body of Christ.  New Fire should not also have to feel that it needs to reinvent the wheel in regards to fostering ecumenical relationships.  Many Christian denominations are either in full communion or are in partnership with one another.  New Fire can serve as an agent that makes local congregations aware of the visible unity that already exists among them. They can take advantage of the agreements made by their denominations on the national level that are intended to strengthen ministry at the local level.

I see much value in New Fire and the potential it has to contribute to Ecumenical Adult Ministry in the 21st century.  My hope and prayer is that they truly want Christians to be who they are, offering and sharing their tradition as a lens and witness to the gospel.  In spite of differences, when we engage and do ministry together, I believe young adults would then respect both our authenticity and our traditions.  They would be open to learning and exploring more, walking with Christians who are both genuine and welcoming.

For more information about New Fire got to  http://www.faithconnectsus.org/