Ecumenism vs. Exclusivity

Following the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut there was an inter-faith worship service attended by members of Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths. The closing benediction was  delivered by Pastor Rob Morris from Newtown's King Lutheran Church.

Recently, at the request of the the President of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, Pastor Morris apologized for his participation. Apparently, it is forbidden for clergy in the Missouri Synod to worship with members of other religions.

This kind of exclusivism deeply disturbs me. To think that one's own particular denomination, let alone Christianity, is the only path to heaven is arrogant to the extreme.
It would be nice and convenient if that were the case. It makes proselytizing far easier if one has the exclusive claim to the Kingdom of Heaven. Without that claim what incentive is there for people to choose the Missouri Synod over say, the Lutheran Church of America or the United Methodist or Episcopalian Churches, to name just a few.

Then there is the issue of different religions altogether.  If Christians were to worship with people of the Jewish and Muslim faiths it might be seen that God loves all regardless of faith traditions. To me, that is precisely the point of such worship but people who focus upon exclusivity are afraid that their tradition is somehow undercut by engaging in the ecumenical movement.

Personally, I think they undercut their own tradition by this exclusivity. They are, in essence saying, "We are so insecure in our beliefs that we cannot commune with you."  Jesus did not give us a Spirit of Fear but of Faith and Love and Hope. 

I deeply regret that Pastor Morris could not stand up for what was really in his heart and refuse to apologize for being strong enough in his faith that he could commune with brothers and sisters of all faiths. It could have provided an important moment for the Missouri Synod as well as for all of Christendom.  As it stands, we will have to wait for another moment in time. One of these days, Christians will get it right and say, with John Wesley (in his sermon "A Catholic Spirit"): "If thy heart is as my heart, take my hand."