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The workshop, held at the headquarters of MSC Group, the world’s largest container shipping company, delved into the complexities and opportunities of Christian unity in the diverse landscape of seafarer ministries.
The International Christian Maritime Association, founded in 1969 with support from the WCC, aims to foster collaboration among Christian communities for the benefit of seafarers, fishers, and their families.
Simon pointed out that for both Christians and non-Christians alike, diversity can be overwhelming and, at times, confusing. He also spoke about the tendency of Christian communities to fragment.
However, Simon emphasized that diversity is not a flaw but rather a natural and integral part of Christianity.
He stressed that any discussion about Christianity must take into account its cultural context.
Drawing on the analogy of a “cultural iceberg,” he explained that while we often see the surface-level differences between cultures—such as food, music, or customs—the deeper layers, such as communication styles and religious beliefs, require more effort, patience, and empathy to understand. This deeper engagement with culture, he argued, is essential for fostering true ecumenical dialogue and unity.
Simon proposed four key methods for moving forward in unity amidst diversity. The first is convergence, where churches find areas of collaboration, even if deep theological differences prevent full agreement.
The second method is moral discernment, which recognizes that, since the 1980s, new moral and ethical questions have emerged, many of them deeply rooted in cultural contexts.
The third method is consensus decision-making, a process that avoids majority votes in favor of ensuring that every voice is heard.
The final method Simon discussed was receptive ecumenism, an academic approach that encourages Christians to listen respectfully to others and to be open to integrating aspects of different traditions, liturgies, or theologies into their own practices.
In his conclusion, Simon reaffirmed that diversity is not a reason for division but rather an enriching and stimulating aspect of Christian life. The goal is not uniformity but unity in diversity, a principle that lies at the heart of ecumenical work.
As one participant noted, “there is much more that unites us than divides us,” and in the day-to-day work of seafarer ministry, these important divisions often become practically irrelevant.
Building Ecumenism in Maritime Ministry - The Mare Report news release, 5 September 2024
