It is customary for Christians to remember what unites us as the various traditions and denominations. We do this by reciting one of the Creeds. Usually, it is the Nicene Creed or more commonly, the Apostles Creed (as it is slightly shorter).
The last part of the Apostles Creed is especially relevant for the Global Church in this season, as we have just marked Trinity Sunday.
"I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. AMEN." - Creed
John 17:20-21 - 20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
Reminder: The Creeds were drafted, reworked and modified over many centuries, with the first versions appearing in the 2nd Century. They were initial statements of faith were used during Baptism services.
Remembering that there was essentially only one 'universal' church until the Reformation, the phrase 'holy catholic church' refers to the Church as one collective body. We still use the word 'catholic' in the Creed (small "c") as the word means 'universal.' For folk who worship in the Catholic tradition, they are often remembered as the Roman Catholic Church, as their leadership stems from the Vatican in Rome. Hope this helps us all to understand a little more clearly.
Living in Grace
D3LM3
