Though drafted in old England, these principles found their fullest expression in New England. To be profitable, the American colonies needed people to settle the land, and the promise of religious toleration provided a powerful incentive. In such a setting, the denominational theory seemed a plan from heaven. Today, in the United States alone, there are almost 2,000 denominations and associations representing 385,000 congregations. At a personal level, many of us have at times experienced denominations as sources of conflict, not unity, proving that no organizational solution can of itself fulfill the oneness for which Jesus prayed.
Organized unity is only possible if there is an experienced unity, a oneness of spirit or attitude.
Apparently it is possible to find our unity in Christ and the gospel even as we agree to disagree over some finer points of doctrine and traditional practices.