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A Response to the Author of the Book of Revelation from the Seven Churches of Asia Minor John's original letters to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor can be found in Revelation 2 and 3 Dear John, Grace to you and peace as we rejoice in our common faith and heritage. We hope this letter finds you in good spirits and health as you strive for justice and peace on this fragile earth, our island home. We received your correspondence and would like to take this opportunity to respond. While we are always open to self-critique so that we may be ever welcoming and affirming, we must say how surprised we were by the harshness of your comments. Although you had some positive things to say in some cases (especially to those who seem to think as you do), we feel that now, of all times, when we should be working together to establish God's reign upon the earth, your words generally lacked love and revealed a basic misunderstanding of our various ministries. Our desire, above all things, is unity. We believe that there is room for our disagreements and hope that we can put these secondary matters that you raise aside so that we may go forth in mission together in this broken and suffering world. Our first concern is over your lack of tolerance toward those who hold different views. More specifically, we are disappointed by your sweeping condemnation of the Nicolaitans, as well as your support for those of our number (who really represent an insignificant minority) who also "hate" (sadly this is, brother, your own word) their works. The Nicolaitans are new among us and have some fresh insights that we believe can be of great benefit. They use our common language--they talk of the Christ, the Sacred Writings, Salvation, and Resurrection--words cherished by us all. Why would you contend that they are teaching a different gospel? This brings us also to the teaching of Balaam, which, as you commented, some of us have embraced. The teaching of Balaam has a long tradition in this part of the world, but its followers have not had sufficient voice among us. We believe that, as the people of a new and redeemed humanity, we should be open to the voiceless and discern how we can more faithfully share in the resurrected life that we find in Jesus. Many of us believe that the two matters you condemn, those being food sacrificed to idols and what you choose to call sexual immorality, are consistent with the religion we profess when practiced faithfully and consensually and are not matters of core doctrine. We must also strongly take issue with your rejection of our prophetess, Jezebel. Again, you call into question the new thing that God is doing among us, namely, the eating of food sacrificed to idols and what you persist in calling sexual immorality. It seems to us, brother, that you are overly focused on these two minor issues when there are so many problems in the world that we should be combatting. Would it not be better if we put these unfruitful disputes aside so that we may address the really pressing issues of mission and reconciliation? What we find particularly troubling is that here you do not restrict your condemnation to those who are persuaded by Jezebel's teachings, but you also demonize those of us who tolerate them. Is not tolerance a virtue? Why is it necessary for us to take sides on these matters? We also must reject your assessment of our spiritual health. That we, as you claim, "have lost our first love," and "have a reputation of being alive, but are dead," and "are neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm," does not correspond to our experience. There are many unsung examples of vibrant, faithful ministry going on here every day. While it is true that our numbers have declined a bit over the years, due mainly to the change in church-going patterns in society, many of us are persuaded that the new direction the Nicolaitans, the Balaamites, and our prophetess Jezebel is taking us is right and that there is no turning back the clock. It took us a long process of self-examination and seeking the Spirit's guidance to bring us to where we are now, and we are persuaded that, in time, you and the others will one day overcome your prejudices and join us. Finally, brother, we feel compelled to inform you that we believe you have no authority to tell us that we are in danger of having our golden lampstands removed from their place unless we repent. We must also take issue with your claim that those of us "who have an ear to hear" should listen to (and therefore follow) your counsel. We believe that the conversation should be ongoing and that we should continue to learn from each other. Our last objection is to your claim to speak for Jesus. We, in fact, are the rightful ecclesiastical authority in the Province of Asia Minor, and we find your attempt to influence the churches here inappropriate, intrusive, and invalid. Please be assured of our love for you and know how painful it was for us to write this letter during this difficult time in your life, as you are currently in exile. Our desire is reconciliation, or, at the very least, the seeking of some common ground. If you ever find yourself in our province, please look us up so that we may continue the conversation. You remain in our prayers. Sincerely, The Leadership of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor Who Speak for Everyone Else Here Historical note: the area represented by the Seven Churches of Asia Minor eventually became and now remains Muslim territory. WHS
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The Lake Erie Confessing Anglican is the online newsletter of Trinity Anglican Fellowship in Erie, Pennsylvania
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