Religious World Trends

AT THE time of writing, the announce­ment concerning the proposed visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Pope in Rome is being widely discussed, not only in the churches but also in the news jour­nals of the world. This will be the first time since England broke with the Church of Rome in the sixteenth century that the primate of the Church of England has paid a visit to the Vatican.

Not only is the visit itself significant but the fact that an important ruling is being set aside to make this possible is also sig­nificant. During the Lenten season all such audiences are suspended, but "Dr. Fisher's visit will constitute an exception," said Pope John. It certainly does not surprise us that this visit is being "received by Cath­olics with satisfaction." Some Protestants do not seem to regard it as of particular consequence. For example, Dr. Shepherd, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, observes that while the visit itself is "a nice gesture," yet "it can only lead to pleasantries between the two people."

Adventists, however, view this as some­thing far deeper than the exchange of mere "pleasantries."  For a century we have ex­pected such eventualities as this and have long anticipated a union of churches cul­minating in religious intolerance.

While traveling in the Middle East the Archbishop of Canterbury will call on the Greek Patriarch in Istanbul. In fact, a Synod of Greek Orthodox churchmen that was to have convened has been postponed in order to make more extensive prepara­tions. Patriarch Athenagoras, whom some of us remember as one of the most colorful figures at the World Council of Churche in Evanston in 1954, and with whom we have had some interesting conversations, has expressed himself as anticipating strong support from the Church of England in his efforts toward church union.

In all these behind-the-scene movements, however, the thing that stands out clearly is that the Roman Catholic Church does not intend to modify her views in any way, and it surely is as significant as it appears courteous that Patriarch Athenagoras has suggested that "the Pope should be consti­tuted the 'first among equals' of the world Christian leaders."

Even a casual observer can surely see in these unusual events that the groundwork is being laid for future agreement. Among the large and influential groups such as the Anglican and Orthodox churches much will be accomplished by the worldwide ecumenical council called by Pope John XXIII, to convene possibly in 1962. Certain Protestant leaders, such as Dr. Ernest Payne, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of England and Ireland, seem to pass it off with a shrug of the shoulders, saying, "It is a timely visit, but people must not get too excited about it."

As we witness the "ecumenical horizon" extending, and the subsidence of important issues that led to the disruption of the medi­eval church under the preaching of the Reformation, we as students of the sure word of prophecy should recognize these things as some of the "rapid" movements that will bring an end to human history. While this visit is declared to be a break­through of the "absolute iron curtain be­tween our two communions," and "a high water mark of courtesy and courage," to quote Bishop Stephen F. Bayne, perhaps the second highest official of the Anglican Church, outranked only by the Archbishop himself, yet it is more: it is a striking ful­fillment of the Word of God and should cause us to rejoice that the day of redemp­tion is at hand. Bishop Bayne describes the Pope as a very warm personality, and then states the issue clearly, declaring that "there is no use in talking church unity if you really only mean Protestant unity."

Thus the stage is set. We are far nearer the end than many of us realize. Not only in the religious world but in the realm of national and international politics, the rise of Roman Catholic power is evident.

What a stupendous hour to preach the threefold message! Surely no group of ministers was ever charged with greater respon­sibility. To be called and separated as her­alds of the everlasting gospel in God's great judgment hour is the highest honor and the greatest privilege. As men aflame for God we must go forth to proclaim Heaven's last message of mercy: "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." The hour is late; the challenge is tremen­dous; but the opportunities are beyond compare. God give us clarity of vision, fortitude of purpose, and courage of con­viction. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ empower us to reveal Him as the only hope of our world in this crisis hour.

R. A. A.