Page 211 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

212 The Armenian Church

This new apostolate, carried out through
intense preaching and organized teaching,
as well as through the Christian education
of the people of all walks of life, will un-
doubtedly become a strong bulwark against
the proselytizing activities of sects and para-
church organizations in Armenia and the
increasing dominance of secular trends and
values in diaspora communities.

Redefinition of the national identity
of the Church
As the church of the people, the Armenian
Church should preserve its people-based
structures and people-oriented mission.
Without undermining its vital contribution to
nation building, the Church must focus on its
primary responsibility, which is the spiritual
and moral upbuilding of our people. As a
national church, the Armenian Church must
reassess and redefine its call to witness in
Armenia and the diaspora in the context
of globalized and pluralistic societies. It is
critically important to draw a clear distinc-
tion between a national church, a nationa-
listic church, and a people's church. I also
want to identify three interconnected areas in
which the total identification of church and
nation raises fundamental questions:
The first area is ecclesiological. The church
belongs to all who believe in Christ in each
and in all places, irrespective of race, culture,