One in Christ
Derek Brett writes about the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR)
Between 1414-18, in the midst of wars over three rival claimants to the papacy, the Council of Constance brought together European religious and secular leaders for protracted negotiations. These negotiations eventually resolved a major schism and led to the installation of Martin V as sole pope.
Five hundred years later, as Europe slid towards war, it seemed to some that a second Council of Constance was called for ‘to prepare and organise the Christian churches in the struggle for justice and peace’. Accordingly, 153 Christian leaders were invited to convene on Saturday 1 August 1914 at the Inselhotel in Constance, on the German/Swiss border. On Sunday, the next day, the following telegram was sent from the hotel to all the European powers:
A Conference of members of Christian churches from twelve countries and thirty denominations has gathered to promote friendly relations between nations. This Conference solemnly prays Christian governments to avoid war between millions of men who have hitherto been brought ever closer together by friendship and common interests. The Conference pleads that Christendom be preserved from this catastrophe and that the power of the Spirit may prevail in human affairs.
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