Peter, Leadership, and Ecumenism by Wes Sutermeister

The issue of leadership and authority is central to any ecumenical dialogue that takes place between different church communions around the world, and this fact is seen most clearly in ecumenical discussions that have taken place between Anglicans and Roman Catholics. These discussions center around the role of Peter’s leadership among the apostles as found in the New Testament, as well as the role of bishops as successors to the apostles in the early church. The figure of Peter is presented in the New Testament as the spokesperson of the apostles (Acts 3:15; 10:41). He is the first to proclaim the Gospel to the Jews and the first to open the Christian community to the Gentiles in his interaction with Cornelius. Paul himself seems to recognize the prominence of Peter when he meets with him (Gal. 1:18-19), and seems to accepts Peter’s lead at the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). However, Peter is not given special importance in the New Testament because of anything in himself, but because of his particular calling by Christ (Luke 6:14; John 21:15-17). This calling was to follow the way of Jesus: to lead by serving others, not by dominating them (Luke 22:24). He was to strengthen the brethren through service (Luke 22:32). His major job was to help preserve unity within the Church. Whether or not we agree that the bishop of Rome is a successor to Peter, we must recognize Peter as the first and prime example of Christian leadership. Any genuine Christian leadership must share his “ecumenical” vision of preserving unity.