A NEW and lively interest has arisen to-day in the discussion
of the nature and interrelationship of church, denomina-
tion, and sect. Why should this be? Let us consider some
of the factors which cause this renewed interest. There is first
the historical research of, shall we say, the last decade or even
century, which has unearthed and placed at our disposal a
great deal of material concerning leading personalities, move-
ments, schools, divisions and groups in the Christian and non-
Christian worlds. We know infinitely more about the teachings,
forms of worship and patterns of organization of all these
groups, the very existence of which was not or could not be
known to previous generations of scholars. The second factor
which may call for a renewed examination of this problem
is a trend that has assumed growing importance since the turn
of the century in the minds of the clergy and laity alike. The
ecumenical movement has gained strength in a great number
of non-catholic and even in some catholic bodies, and a
vivid discussion in their ranks has resulted regarding the basis
upon which a closer co-operation, or even some form of union,
can be contemplated and achieved. The basic concept of the
nature of the Christian fellowship and the institutions which
represent it has been subjected to a thorough inquiry. Further-
more, and this is the third motive, the renaissance of interest
in systematic or constructive theology which can be traced back
to the end of the First World War, and which is not limited to
any one of the Christian bodies, has very naturally led to a
concentration upon the doctrine of the Church, its historical
and its doctrinal implications. Inasmuch as this ecumenical
movement has provided opportunities for an exchange of views
and a certain amount of co-operation in joint meetings of

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