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Conclusion
Protestantism shares with Christianity as a whole the issues and concerns of the 21st century. On the negative side, the apparent decline of church attendance in Europe presents a serious challenge for Christians everywhere to look at different ways of spreading the gospel message. Christianity's centre of gravity has moved away from Europe and indeed, it seems to lie in Africa, Asia or South America, where some of the fastest growth rates are to be found. As we saw in the section 'Denominations', the Pentecostal movement has played a huge part in this.
Sadly, inter-denominational conflict still remains in some parts of the world, but the overall situation is vastly improved. Some groups (e.g. The Methodists) have reunified themselves following previous internal disagreements and in some countries (e.g. Australia with the 'Uniting Church') there have been unions that have cut across several Protestant denominations. The modern ecumenical movement has done much to encourage a sense of shared faith and common understanding. These ideas have spread, not just between Protestants but across all of Christendom. Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox can now meet and pray together in a way that might have seemed unthinkable only several decades before.
At the beginning of this Introduction to Protestantism, we quoted Jesus's prayer from John 17. We now quote it again - our oneness is rooted in Christ, our Saviour, Redeemer and Lord:
"That they all may be one, as thou, Father, in me, and I in thee; that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou hast given me, I have given to them: that, they may be one, as we also are one."
John 17:21-12 (DRB)
Amen !
Knowing Your Grace
Knowing your grace
Has set me free, Lord.
I'm seeking Your face;
I feel Your pleasure,
Your joy in the ones
You have chosen by name.
You've lifted my burdens
And cast off my shame.
Feeling Your touch
Gives me such peace, Lord.
I love You so much,
I know You'll lead me.
Wherever I go I'll be under Your wing,
For I am a child of the King.
You will finish the work You've begun in me,
I'm adopted, a son in Your family!
You've drawn me with kindness and love
Into this holy place.
What can I say?
Your lavish mercy
Turned night into day
My guilt has gone now.
Forever I'll stand in Your presence and sing,
For I am a child of the King.
By Stuart Townend/Terry Virgo © 2001 Thankyou Music
