Do we do ‘tribal’ or ‘gospel’ unity?

Director of evangelical umbrella group Affinity, Graham Nicholls, said recently that conservative evangelicals “can be the most difficult [evangelical group] to unite” because of their “emphasis on rigorous theology and ministry practices.”

In the statement on the Affinity website, Nicholls acknowledges that “theology matters” but suggests it’s possible to unite around things we believe are purely theological but may actually be cultural or tribal.

“We need to reflect carefully on what truly unites or divides us,” he says. “Is it central gospel issues, or cultural traditions? Gospel unity gives the benefit of the doubt – tribal unity is suspicious. Gospel unity cares about God’s revelation – tribal unity cares about being right. Gospel unity promotes Christ – tribal unity promotes Christian leaders.

"How do we stop being a constituency and start being the body of Jesus Christ – united but diverse? My assumption is that this is something we all desire. My fear is we are more prone to tribal unity.”