The apostles extended Christ's personal invitation to the community via their teaching and activities. In conclusion, individual freedom is essential to the health of any Christian, and a communal authority is essential to the health of the Christian community. Since truth is one, unity cannot be the result of such a system. Essential to Christian unity today is the existence of a legitimate authority which shepherds Christ's flock while at the same time respecting individual freedom. Until this is realized, division will remain a crippling reality among Christians.
Nothing here is set in stone.
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