The Hinge: International Theological Dialog for the Moravian Church
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become a witness to the Gentiles. In later years as Peter and Saul (Paul) spoke of their revelations to the church, the church saw that it was to change and include Gentiles. We can say that if God wants the church to make a major change in what it believes or practices, God will direct the church to do so—in a quite evident and specific way. Until God shows in some obvious, probably dramatic, way that God wants change, change should not be considered. On August 13, 1727, God caused the Holy Spirit and the Spirit’s powers to be very evident to a group of believers gathered in Berthelsdorf, Germany. The people were united in expressing what had taken place and how their lives had changed. It was a dramatic moment through which God wanted to speak to that gathering of Christians. As a result, the Moravian Church was renewed and the effects from that day, on the nature and purpose of the church, remain paramount today. God does let it be known when God has directions to be given to the church. We have not experienced a definite revelation from God regarding this matter. Therefore we should not seek change in this matter until the church can say, “Because God has shown to us in a quite definite way, we agree as a united church that change should take place.” “God is doing a new thing” is a term which has been brought into the discussion. I don’t know who has the authority to say that, nor how they can say that God is doing a new thing. The Unitas Fratrum, being among the early Protestant denominations, was often asked to side with this group or that group in matters of theology or practice. It always felt it was called and set apart by God to abide by what had been revealed and earnestly sought to protect that. It never thought “we should be like other churches.” “Unity” is a cherished concept and reality for Moravians. It has held true when wars divided portions of our church. It is obvious from other denominations that the decision to marry same-sex individuals and ordain those who practice similar lifestyles tears deeply into the unity of a denomination. Congregations are lost and members leave. A layman said to me recently that our American provinces continue to lose members, and he fears what will happen if these changes are adopted. Again, as we find in the Book of Acts and the dramatic event of August 13, 1727, God will speak if God wants the Word or major matters changed. With concern, and appreciation for consideration of this statement, I am Sincerely yours, Christian D. Weber