Wayfarers
'To make Christianity comprehensive in its design, to open its benefits to all’, Thomas Falconer
Wayfarers is a website in the Free Christian tradition.
Free Christians are defined at the website www.surefish.co.uk as 'self-avowedly open-minded followers of the teachings and example of Jesus Christ but without adhering to any specific creed or doctrine'.
Free Christianity is not a denomination, more a state of mind. Its essence is to be found in the two traits implied by the very term. The first trait is independence of mind. Free Christians believe we have a duty to use our judgement in matters of faith. The second trait is a belief that doctrinal differences should not hinder common worship.
This attitude means that while Free Christians may not agree with each other on matters of theology , they are seeking an inclusive Christianity that transcends denominational differences and divisive theological arguments of bygone years. The aim is to encompass within one Christian fellowship all who wish to worship God and try to follow the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. The name 'Wayfarers' is suggested as an alternative, less formally theological name (see Signposts, 5 August 2010).
Some essentials do arise from this position. Free Christians believe in the 'priesthood of all believers' and that no aspect of Christian ministry should be restricted to a few. Free Christians are universalists, believing that God's love extends to all. They do not deny that this love is manifested in other faiths and in other manifestations and the Free Christian can only say to someone of differing view, 'This is the stage I have reached in my religious pilgrimage. I cannot claim to know the truth'. However, if God is like the light that shines through stained-glass windows, Free Christians affirm they see God shining most vividly through the life of Jesus.
(Adapted from the first issue of the journal The Christian Compass, autumn 1999).
Free Christianity usually appears as an aspect of the Unitarian and Free Christian movement but while the two overlap very significantly, Free Christianity is not identical with Unitarian Christianity and can exist apart from it. Some Free Christians feel at home with the ordered rites of the Established Church, others have the non-conformist's emphasis on the preached Word of God, while others find spiritual nourishment in the Quaker worship of silence and speaking as the spirit moves them. And some attend no one church but nevertheless feel drawn to the teachings of Jesus.
However, while it is true that the rediscovery of Jesus the human being has impacted on attitudes within the mainstream Christian Church, it remains true that most self-avowedly radical or progressive groups continue wholly within the trinitarian tradition. Therefore the very fact that Free Christians or Wayfarers regard the nature and status of Jesus as not settled means the majority are unitarian in theology.
Nevertheless Free Christians or Wayfarers continue to seek to follow Jesus on the basis of an openness that extends 'beyond the ecumenical', and would worship and serve alongside those theological views they do not share.
Free Christians are defined at the website www.surefish.co.uk as 'self-avowedly open-minded followers of the teachings and example of Jesus Christ but without adhering to any specific creed or doctrine'.
Free Christianity is not a denomination, more a state of mind. Its essence is to be found in the two traits implied by the very term. The first trait is independence of mind. Free Christians believe we have a duty to use our judgement in matters of faith. The second trait is a belief that doctrinal differences should not hinder common worship.
This attitude means that while Free Christians may not agree with each other on matters of theology , they are seeking an inclusive Christianity that transcends denominational differences and divisive theological arguments of bygone years. The aim is to encompass within one Christian fellowship all who wish to worship God and try to follow the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. The name 'Wayfarers' is suggested as an alternative, less formally theological name (see Signposts, 5 August 2010).
Some essentials do arise from this position. Free Christians believe in the 'priesthood of all believers' and that no aspect of Christian ministry should be restricted to a few. Free Christians are universalists, believing that God's love extends to all. They do not deny that this love is manifested in other faiths and in other manifestations and the Free Christian can only say to someone of differing view, 'This is the stage I have reached in my religious pilgrimage. I cannot claim to know the truth'. However, if God is like the light that shines through stained-glass windows, Free Christians affirm they see God shining most vividly through the life of Jesus.
(Adapted from the first issue of the journal The Christian Compass, autumn 1999).
Free Christianity usually appears as an aspect of the Unitarian and Free Christian movement but while the two overlap very significantly, Free Christianity is not identical with Unitarian Christianity and can exist apart from it. Some Free Christians feel at home with the ordered rites of the Established Church, others have the non-conformist's emphasis on the preached Word of God, while others find spiritual nourishment in the Quaker worship of silence and speaking as the spirit moves them. And some attend no one church but nevertheless feel drawn to the teachings of Jesus.
However, while it is true that the rediscovery of Jesus the human being has impacted on attitudes within the mainstream Christian Church, it remains true that most self-avowedly radical or progressive groups continue wholly within the trinitarian tradition. Therefore the very fact that Free Christians or Wayfarers regard the nature and status of Jesus as not settled means the majority are unitarian in theology.
Nevertheless Free Christians or Wayfarers continue to seek to follow Jesus on the basis of an openness that extends 'beyond the ecumenical', and would worship and serve alongside those theological views they do not share.
This website will present essays, thoughts and liturgies as a resource for all who would follow in this inclusive and generous-hearted tradition. It is hoped in particular to include articles published in the journal The Christian Compass between 1999 and 2008.
It is hoped it may be, in a virtual sense...
It is hoped it may be, in a virtual sense...
(The Unitarian and Free Christian website offers many variations on its logo for the denomination to use in various contexts. This is not one of them).
A Wayfarers Confession of Faith
Love as demonstrated by Jesus the Christ though his parables, sermons and, above all, his example, reveals that which we call God.
You do not need any mediator between you and God.
Striving to live in love is the way of fulfilment, joy and salvation.
Through the practise of love comes relationship with God.
You do not start life weighed down with an inherited burden of sin.
You will not be judged on what doctrines you do or do not believe.
Love will triumph over hate, good will triumph over evil.
Love as demonstrated by Jesus the Christ though his parables, sermons and, above all, his example, reveals that which we call God.
You do not need any mediator between you and God.
Striving to live in love is the way of fulfilment, joy and salvation.
Through the practise of love comes relationship with God.
You do not start life weighed down with an inherited burden of sin.
You will not be judged on what doctrines you do or do not believe.
Love will triumph over hate, good will triumph over evil.
