Christian Unity

Underneath this joy of meeting new and interesting people, there were two fundamental realisations. One was that there were real differences separating us. We all had different cultural backgrounds; different theological approaches, economic, social and political traditions. We even had differences in the colours of our skins. The second realisation was that despite these differences, we had the major attribute in common. We were all Christians. The sense of oneness of the Christian youth throughout the world was intensely felt but the shock that there were so many differences between us enabled us to face the reality of the world.

On the opening day, Indonesia and Holland began active warfare, then the Burmese Ministers were assassinated. India was suing for independence from Britain. All these nations were represented, working meeting and praying together, trying of produce some small contribution to world peace. Oslo was definitely not a Utopia divorced from current affairs but at Oslo these nations could meet on common ground under a common belief in Christ.