Bro Carter made the following comments about the limits of ecclesial autonomy at the end of an article reflecting on the nationalising of the Suez Canal by Nasser and the limits of national rights.

The Christadelphian October 1956, John Carter

“Autonomy and Its Limits”

… The interest in the lawful restrictions arising out of the needs of nations living together created by the action of the Egyptian dictator is not without its lessons to the ecclesial world. An ecclesia must have its rules to do things decently and orderly. The rules must be accepted and observed by all members, and the rules must be sanctioned by whatever majority may be agreed upon. But just as an individual accepts a limitation upon his own freedom as a basis of brotherly co-operation, so in inter-ecclesial arrangements there must be mutual respect for each other’s judgments. If an individual disregards the approved standards he cannot complain at disciplinary action. A brother may prefer that the order of service be hymn, prayer, reading; but if the ecclesia decides it be hymn, reading, prayer, all presidents must conform. If one insisted on his own way in opposition to the general decision, he cannot complain if he be deprived of office. If he cannot accept the first principles of doctrine agreed upon, he cannot expect to retain his membership. The same principles hold good as between ecclesias. As a community we have encouraged the idea of ecclesial autonomy; rightly so, we believe. A central governing body would destroy the responsibility which individuals and ecclesias sustain to God. At the same time, like most ideas, it can be pressed too far. Ecclesias have certain mutual responsibilities as parts of the “body” of Christ.

Editor.