Unity or Uniformity?

We hear many calls today for "unity" among religions. But sometimes I fear those calling for "unity" are really looking for "uniformity." Are these concepts one and the same? If not, which might better guide our faith through the next millennium?

If you look in The Random House College Dictionary, you’ll find these definitions of "uniformity:" "Overall sameness or homogeneity; absence of diversity or variation." With this as our vision, eventually everyone in the world would keep kosher, or receive the seven Sacraments, or preach the Word, or pray facing Mecca. The word "uniformity" does seem to accurately describe the goal of many religious organizations – to have everyone in the world worship in exactly the same way. But before we sign on to this crusade to remove "diversity or variation" from our religious lives, let’s consider St. Paul’s description of the "gifts" which our Lord bestows upon us: "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." (Ephesians 4, 7-13). Now, that doesn’t sound at all like "uniformity" to me. It does, though, fit several definitions of "unity:" "The state of being combined with others to form a greater whole; the state of being a complete or harmonious combination of elements; harmony among the parts or elements of a work producing a single major effect."

If we can appreciate the subtle but important difference in these two concepts - if we compare each concept with Paul’s vision - perhaps we can topple the false idol of "uniformity." Perhaps we can avoid the conflict inherent in the search for sameness, as each "true believer" attempts to impose his brand of religion on everyone else. Only then can we be free to pursue the higher and more fruitful quest for "unity."

For just as the members of one congregation play different roles according to their gifts (preaching, teaching, music, service, and so on), so does each church, and each world religion, have different parts to play in creating the Kingdom. Working together in "unity," not "uniformity," we can pursue "a greater whole" and "a harmonious combination of elements." With an ecumenical spirit, we can create the "single major effect" of bringing everyone closer to God.