Three days ago Amy and I went to a conference hosted by the Focolare. On the Focolare book table, I spied this slim volume that seemed to be a “must have” for the CTR library:
The author was Callan Slipper, whom I had heard speak during a webinar that Amy also spoke in. I had responded positively then to some deep statements he made in a lovely English accent. So I was eager to read his thoughts in this book, 5 Steps to Living Christian Unity.
I found the book, like the Focolare movement that Callan belongs to, both mystical and simple. What a great combination!
For instance, on the mystical side, here is his reflection on John 17:22-23’s “I in them, and you in me, that they may be completely one”:
The struggle to reunite the divided church, therefore, is more than an add-on to the serious work of being a Christian. It is central to establishing the rule of God. For relationships of unity between people are where God is found.
The practical side can be seen in the five chapter titles:
See the Need
Find the Way
Construct the Building Blocks
Listen to the Silent Third
Overcome All Obstacles
Each chapter begins with a meditation from other authors, and concludes with a short, relevant story contributed by a friend.
At only 55 pages, 5 Steps is short enough to be read in one go, but also deep and clear enough to form a foundational text for a book club to read through over a series of six meetings (one for the introduction, then one for each chapter). Why not try this out?