Finding a Voice, by Marlin VanElderen
Until his untimely death two years ago, Marlin VanElderen was the executive editor of the publications of the World Council of Churches. During his 18-year tenure in Geneva he was a lively interpretative link between the WCC and its member churches, informing the churches of both the WCC's achievements and its beleaguered moments.
Among his myriad assignments VanElderen first served as the editor of One World, the acclaimed magazine for pastors, laypeople and WCC insiders who wanted an authentic perspective on the activities, struggles and decisions of this "privileged instrument" of the ecumenical movement. Finding a Voice brings together 82 of VanElderen's insightful, theologically penetrating and often lyrical editorials from that magazine. These, his monthly teaching moments, challenge us to deepen our ecumenical commitments.
A few samples: "Freezing Out God" argues the immorality of Ronald Reagan's refusal to approve a nuclear freeze; "The Complexity of Unity" stresses that most steps toward visible unity are difficult, painful and require us to change; "Root Causes" makes clear that alleviating suffering requires the powerful decision-makers to invite hungry, oppressed and voiceless people to participate in the decisive discussions; and "A Certain Poisoned Sweetness" helps us to differentiate between confrontations which tear down and those that build up Christian communion.
