|
Glasgow Churches Together |
Lord
let Glasgow flourish through the preaching of thy word and praising
thy name |
Why Ecumenism?Text of a leaflet prepared by the Archdiocese of Glasgow
for distribution
Why ecumenism? Many Catholics regard ecumenism - working with other Churches – as something of an optional extra, the icing on the cake, to be considered when the real work is done! In fact this view is quite wrong. In the words of Archbishop Conti: “In a city which is often harshly judged for its manifestations of intolerance, I feel a very special responsibility rests on the believers in Christ to work together, visibly together, for the benefit of all Glaswegians … Today, our ‘praising of His name’ of the city motto should resonate with other Churches and find an echo in other faiths represented in the city." To use the words made famous by Pope John Paul II in this very city 21 years ago: ‘Can we not make that journey together, hand in hand?’” Pope John Paul puts it this way: “At Vatican II the Catholic Church committed herself irrevocably to following the path of ecumenical venture … Co-operation among all Christians vividly expresses that bond which already unites them … it is a manifestation of Christ Himself.” (Ut Unum Sint, 40) In truth, both at a universal level and at a diocesan level, the Catholic Church regards ecumenism as integral to its work and life. In practical terms this means asking the Ecumenical Question - “What are the implications of this for ecumenism?” - whenever we plan for the future. What ecumenism? Few of us feel expert in all the teachings and practices of our own Church, let alone the ways of any other. Don’t worry! Having an ecumenical outlook doesn’t mean developing expertise in every aspect of every denomination, and there are plenty of resources to help. In the Archdiocese we have an Ecumenical Commission, made up of people with wide knowledge of inter-church dialogue and with years of experience of working with other groups. They are there to help you! Their aim is to help us all ask the “Ecumenical Question” in our life as Catholics and in our work at the parish, deanery and archdiocesan levels. They are available to advise on local initiatives; to give talks; to provide study and worship materials and help you do the same; to put you in touch with others and to offer new opportunities for all to learn more about the marvellous ecumenical adventure to which the Catholic Church committed itself more than 40 years ago. How ecumenism? Working ecumenically at a local level need not be difficult. It just requires a degree of imagination! Try considering some of the following … • Are there study materials we could use for our parish council/ prayer group/ classrooms to learn more? • Could we invite a speaker from another Church to one of our meetings, if for no other reason than just to get to know each other a bit better? • Could we have an ecumenical service or a ceilidh for St Andrew’s Day? • Could we visit another Church in the area and host a similar visit? These and many other initiatives can be held at parish or deanery level and support is available from the Archdiocese. Practical ecumenism What to do next … • Raise the ‘Ecumenical Question’ at your next meeting or in conversation with fellow parishioners. • Talk to other Churches about organising an ecumenical event in your local area. • Contact the Ecumenical Commission for support, ideas and suggestions. Ecumenical contacts Sister Maire Gallagher SND, Brother Stephen Smyth FMS |
GCT's member churches: • Church of Scotland • Methodist Church • Roman Catholic • Salvation Army • Scottish Episcopal • United Free Church • United Reformed |