The Level Ground At The Foot of the Cross

“The Christian religion, though scattered and abroad will in the end gather itself together at the foot of the cross.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

There’s an old saying in the American church that “the ground is level at the foot of the cross”.  Gathered in that moment, and seeing what the world has done, crucified its Lord and Saviour, everyone in their confession of guilt becomes equal.  The norms for ecumenism seem to be a theology of glory that begins with preambles describing the greatness of the churches involved.  I read one the other day that said ‘we acknowledging ourselves to be a part of the one holy, catholic, and apostolic church…’  I wonder what an ecumenical declaration would look like if everyone began by admitting all the shortcomings they brought to the table.

If the churches and ministers who publically and actively opposed the Civil Rights Movement could begin: “we the penitent racists of X church would like to…”  Or if – my beloved – Church of England began a meeting with “in this historic and stolen cathedral we…”

I don’t know who’s right with any certainty in either of those complex historical cases, but the principle I think is sound.  Confession of sin has a way of equalizing people.  It disarms them of their pride, and removes their claims for earthly honor.  In the end we’re all sinners, we’ve all spiritually participated in deicide.  Thus, at the foot of the cross, we are all united, and we experience its level ground.