The Thirty Years War from 1618-1648 was one of the most destructive wars in European history. It started as a religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics over religious freedom and escalated into a major political power struggle. Not quite what Jesus had in mind in commissioning his church! Rupertus Meldenius, aka Peter Meiderlin (1582-1651), wrote a tract in 1627 during the Thirty Years War calling upon disputing theologians and church leaders to obey Christ’s mandate on love. As an able theologian, Peter cared deeply about core beliefs but also recognized the damage done by excessive rancor in reaching consensus on essential matters. He cautioned, “By so much controversy about the truth, we are in danger of losing the truth itself.” He summarized his concerns, “In a word, if we preserve unity in essentials, liberty in nonessentials and charity in both, our affections will be in the best position.” Later, his memorable phrase was shortened to the words, “In essentials, unity; in nonessentials liberty; in all things, charity.” Peter clarified the essentials in his writing as teachings necessary to salvation, the clear testimonies of Scripture, and the articles of faith agreed upon by the church as expressed in its creeds and confessions.
Christians would do well to emulate Peter’s admonition to unity, liberty, and charity. Today’s prayer originates from a third-century liturgy known as the Syrian Clementine Liturgy. It’s called Syrian because the church in Antioch and Clementine used it to connect it to a first-century disciple, Clement of Rome. Whether Clement composed the liturgy, or it was an attempt to link it to the biblical apostles is difficult to determine. Regardless, we join in praying for unity and peace for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord: