The 1910 World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland is often considered the birthplace of the modern ecumenical movement. Consequently, the missionary movement was influential in bringing about the ecumenical movement. National and regional missionary conferences were held in preceding years which made contributions to Edinburgh, from 1854 to 1900, primarily in New York and London. [1] However, Edinburgh was unique and distinctive in that it was not an assembly of interested individuals, but rather a delegated body of representatives of missionary boards and societies.[2] Because of this, the assembly was primarily consultative; Edinburgh offered an opportunity for missionaries to work together in creating a plan for new ways to bring forth the gospel.[3]

Only societies which were operating missions among non-Christian peoples were invited; additional invitations were extended to Methodist and Baptist missions in German societies, as well as Anglo-Catholics.[4] This resulted in primary participation from Anglo-Catholic and Evangelical leaders, with North American and European origins. Out of the twelve hundred delegates present at the conference, only seventeen were from Asia or Africa. These minority groups were invited as appointees of Western organizations. Latin America was completely excluded from the conversation at this stage of ecumenical development.[5] Few younger churchmen were also present. The Anglo-American dominance of the conference had positive and negative benefits. Exclusivity led to ecumenical unity primarily occurring between North America and the British Isles. However, the narrow scope also made it possible to bring a larger number of societies together with vast theological differences.[6]

Edinburgh arose largely out of the emerging awareness of scandalous disunity between Christian missionaries. Competition among different Christian denominations was creating confusion and resulting in the duplication of resources. The race-like mentality among missionaries to win over converts became increasingly uninspiring and fueled a desire to bring about greater cooperation and unity. This was essentially the purpose of the conference, along with a desire to obtain greater theological unity. [7] Edinburgh ultimately became a focal point for ideas and inspiration which would lead the way for the new ecumenical movement. It is often considered a “watershed” between eras of church history. While ecumenical activity occurred throughout the 19th century, Edinburgh was the event which triggered a convergence of these movements, integrating the ecumenical movement, and unifying its vision. Edinburgh was the answer to this problem of ecumenical isolation and lack of community.[8]

John R. Mott functioned as chairman for all ten days of the conference, which ran from June 14th to June 23rd. Other committee chairmen included Dr. Speer and W. Douglas Mackenzie.[9] Joseph H. Oldham functioned as executive secretary.[10] Eight topics were selected in 1908 and appointed to commissions that would become responsible for preparing reports. These topics included “Carrying the Gospel to All the World,” “The Native Church and its Workers,” “Education in Relation to the Christianization of National Life,” “The Missionary Message in Relation to non-Christian Religions,” “The Preparation of Missionaries,” “The Home Base of Missions,” “Relation of Missions to Governments,” and “Cooperation and Promotion of Unity.”[11]

Edinburgh 1910 planted the seeds for many new ecumenical movements. Two sub-movements which branched from Edinburgh were “Faith and Order” and “Life and Work.” These movements dealt primarily with theological questions and social action, and inevitably found themselves overlapping. This conference also can be credited for the early beginnings of the World Council of Churches. The Faith and Order movement made large efforts to compare the theologies of respective churches and engage in dialogue. In contrast, the Life and Work movement devoted it’s time to the study of, and participation in, social action. [12] Charles H. Brent, who presided over the first World Conference of Faith and Order, was one of the delegates present at Edinburgh 1910. It was there his vision was ignited, and his quest towards ending division between Christians.[13]

References

[1] Rouse, Ruth. The History of the Ecumenical Movement: 1517-1948. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1968, 355-362.

[2] Cavert, Samuel McCrea. The American Churches in the Ecumenical Movement: 1900-1968, New York: Association Press, 1968, 81.

[3] Rouse, Ruth. The History of the Ecumenical Movement: 1517-1948. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1968, 357-358.

[4] Ibid, 357.

[5] Cavert, Samuel McCrea. The American Churches in the Ecumenical Movement: 1900-1968, New York: Association Press, 1968, 81-82.

[6] Rouse, Ruth. The History of the Ecumenical Movement: 1517-1948. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1968, 357-361.

[7] Sheerin, John B. Christian Reunion: The Ecumenical Movement and American Catholics. New York: Hawthorn Books, 1966, 18-19.

[8] Rouse, Ruth. The History of the Ecumenical Movement: 1517-1948. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1968, 217 & 345.

[9] Cavert, Samuel McCrea. The American Churches in the Ecumenical Movement: 1900-1968, New York: Association Press, 1968, 81-82.

[10] Rouse, Ruth. The History of the Ecumenical Movement: 1517-1948. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1968, 356.

[11] Cavert, Samuel McCrea. The American Churches in the Ecumenical Movement: 1900-1968, New York: Association Press, 1968, 81-82.

[12] Sheerin, John B. Christian Reunion: The Ecumenical Movement and American Catholics. New York: Hawthorn Books, 1966, 56-64.

[13] Rouse, Ruth. The History of the Ecumenical Movement: 1517-1948. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1968, 360-361.