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‌How we can bring heaven into our congregation

04 02 2025

Author: Peter Johanning

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Today is a secular day of observance, and yet its name evokes a religious dimension. Here is why we need dialogue and fraternity more than ever before and how this can be achieved.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity in resolution 75/200. It was adopted in December 2020. Above all, the day is a plea against war and in favour of more human fraternity and solidarity.

‌More cultural and religious tolerance. Is that even possible today? The UN is far away, and many international days are observed. But is it not an inherent value in itself to be reminded of fraternity? And what is fraternity anyway? Here are some thoughts.

“Fraternity” is the state of friendship and support within a group, between people. People are to act as if they were brother and sister, just like in a family: we are from one family, we stand by each other, and we have a common origin. Such principles, which underpin the concept of fraternity, are difficult to preserve. And that is precisely why a day of observance is so important!

The fact that people in Christian churches address one another as brother and sister is based on their image of God: God is our Father in heaven, we are His children and are therefore related to one another—like brothers and sisters. And the way we address ourselves, as sisters and brothers, should not be an empty phrase but convey substance.

How do we treat one another?

Siblings from the same family are usually very different. They have different talents, live their own lives, and do different kinds of work. And living together is not always harmonious: there are disputes, differences, contradictions, divisions, and rifts. In the church context in particular, however, there is also a mandate for reconciliation, for creating ways to peace. People in the family of God are called upon to treat one another with equal dignity. We all have a Father, who is God. And we have a teacher, who is Jesus Christ. And the Spirit, who works in both of them. The basic criterion for a fraternal relationship is love.

An example from biblical times …

A man was walking along a country road and was attacked. His attackers left him lying half-dead by the wayside. Nobody helped, at least not those from whom one would have expected it. Then a stranger came along and provided first aid. He did what we are supposed to do, namely help.

What does this say about the congregational landscape today?

  • Here too, there are people whom life has dealt a raw hand. Even more than first aid, they need support and guidance.
  • Looking away and dodging the situation is unchristian and makes no real contribution to our congregational development. “It’s time to do good” is not limited to outside our congregation and the Church.

Instead, the gospel teaches us to resolve conflicts peacefully, to forgive whose who have hurt us, to make peace in disputes, to confront lies with truth, and to bring light into people’s darkness.

… is still the golden rule today

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” This commandment has great impact and has always been the guiding principle for a prosperous coexistence between people. And Jesus Christ fully supports this as His announcement in Matthew 7 shows: don’t judge, don’t look for the mote in your neighbour’s eye, don’t pretend. Pharisees are not Christians.

Today, this biblical principle has been elevated to a moral and ethical code. Pure love for your neighbour, without any lengthy rhetoric, without any prejudices, without conditions, without a catalogue of guidelines. First love and charity, then analysis.

“It’s time to do good!” Can we and should we be able to expect this from a congregation today? The annual motto for 2025 for all New Apostolic congregations worldwide is the benchmark for our relationship with our neighbours inside and outside our congregation.


Photo: Cedric – stock.adobe.com

04 02 2025

Author: Peter Johanning

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