Practical Theology Group Forming

Friends:

I was happy to meet yesterday with Dr. Joyce Mercer [VTS] , Dr. Jessicah Duckworth [WTS] and Dr. David Gortner [VTS] to discuss the possibilities for forming an interdisciplinary group of colleagues interested in what is now being called Practical Theology. This discipline, sometimes referred to previously as pastoral theology, focuses on lived religious practices.

The field embraces several sub-disciplines including:

Christian Spirituality
Religious Education
Pastoral Care
Missiology
Religion and Culture

The initial agenda for the group would be to learn about one another's work in progress, to create collective resources, and to explore collaborative teaching.

These are only a few of the thoughts expressed in our conversation.

If you are a Consortium faculty member interested in exploring or adding to the parameters of this 'group being formed' please let me--or one of the colleagues--know.

Peace,
John

Science and Religion--and Peacebuilding

Friends:

As you know the Consortium has had a very active Science and Religion faculty group since 2000.
The group meets about 6 times each school year and sponsors a public lecture each semester.

What you might not know is that the group is pursuing a grant on a Platform for Peace building.
The proposal is at the intersection of science, theology and public policy--as well as philosophy, psychology,etc. It is truly interdisciplinary. The first lecture of this program will be on Saturday, November 14th--God willing of course

I am building a list of folks interested in this project.
If you are one of them send me your email address.

Peace,
John
crossin@washtheocon.org

Consortium Office Moves West!

Friends:

The move is not far--from the South 2nd floor temporary offices
To the west 2nd floor renovated permanent offices.

Packing is a chore!
I am delaying packing by writing this blog.

But by the end of next week The Consortium Office--as it is known to some--will be in 3 newly renovated
offices provided by the Pontifical Faculty at Dominican House. The Office has been at Dominican House since 1972 in a couple different locations on the second floor.

Well, I must stop procrastinating on packing.
And there is a thunderstorm happening outside.

Peace,
John

Dr. George Lindbeck and Vatican II

Friends:

I was happy to attend the opening session this past Monday of the Center for Evangelical and Catholic Theology's Conference on Vatican II at the John Paul II Cultural Center.

Dr. Lindbeck led off--and putting aside parts of his prepared text, he reminisced in an interesting way
on his experience at Vatican II as an observer for the Lutheran World Federation. He attended all four sessions of the Council.

The following struck me as significant:

• There were few Catholic of Protestant theologians at that time who were expert in ecumenism and, among Protestants, few who were experts in Catholicism. Thus there were few observers to start.
• There is no way to document the influence of the observers. They did have a weekly meeting however with the staff members of what is now the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. And who knows where their comments went? Some of the observers had personal relationships with the bishops or their expert advisers.
• Vatican II is still having its impact in Protestant circles.

It was quite interesting to hear from someone who was present and has lived his life in the aftermath.

I was happy to see Consortium Board members and Consortium students in attendance at the Conference.

The presentations will eventually appear in print.

Peace,

John

Rev. Dr. Clark Lobenstine Honored

Friends:

In a surprise move that produced an ovation, the Board of the InterFaith Conference, an Affiliate Member of the Consortium, awarded Dr. Lobenstine its Bridge Builder Award. Clark has been the Executive Director of IFC since the beginning--30 years ago. He is well-known for his dynamism and his complete dedication to mutual understanding. The IFC embraces 11 religious traditions.

The Board gave the award to him at the end of their annual presentation of Bridge Builder and Founder's Award. The other recipients had been known for months. The award to Clark was a well-guarded surprise--Clark is usually the first to know what is going on!

This is a well-deserved award given to an esteemed and admired colleague.

Peace,
John

Important Administrative Work

Friends:

At this time of year we catch up on import work.
Yesterday it was the review of the By-Laws of the Consortium.

Task Force Chair Mary Brown, Trustee Clyde Taylor and I met for two hours yesterday to review the By-Laws and to draw up a list of changes to recommend to the full Board next October.

We also reviewed three proposed policy statements.

I am most appreciative of the time and energy of Mary and Clyde.
This rather unsung work of two Board members keeps the Consortium up-to-date in important corporate matters.

Peace,
John

The Boston Consortium

Friends:

Sorry to be absent for a few days.

I had a delightful mini-retreat this week at St. Anselm's Abbey on South Dakota Avenue NE.
I have gone their from time to time to make my annual retreat.
It is always good to pray with the monks, to have some quiet time and to do some spiritual reading.
I strongly recommend retreats!

Subsequently I had a few minutes to take a look a the Bulletin of the Boston Theological Institute, a Consortium like ours in many ways. They are celebrating their 40th anniversary.

I would note two things:

1. My counterpart, Dr. Rodney L. Petersen, Director of the BTI, has his usual interesting column.
What struck me about this one is the following:

"But the Zero-Sum option is no option for theological education: The Zero-Sum option says that it is impossible for one party to advance its position without the other party suffering a corresponding loss. This is theological prejudgment. A negative-sum solution says that the pie is shrinking and in the end, the gains and losses will all add up to less than zero. This, also, is not an option: Religion is, worldwide, a growth industry."

He goes on to say that the only option for theological education is positive-sum thinking.

We believe in divine grace.

2.In the same issue of the Bulletin is the 40th Anniversary Address give by Dan Aleshire, Executive Director of the Association of Theological Schools [ATS]. He notes that Consortia increase educational capacity at very modest costs. He says:

"Effective consortial structures are one of the greatest bang-for-the-buck investments theological schools can make, and most of the schools still have at least a buck."

This is as true here as in Boston.

A happy Memorial Day.

Peace,
John

"Believers in Christ, united in following in the footsteps of the Martyrs,
cannot remain divided."

Friends:

Today I was looking at the first paragraph of the famous 1995 Encyclical of John Paul II
Ut Unum Sint.

Here he cited the offering of Christian martyrs as a "powerful proof that every factor of division can be transcended and overcome in the total gift of self for the sake of the Gospel."

Now I have never thought of myself as 'having the character of the martyrs' though I admire them.
But I do think that I might learn a little about perseverance in our ecumenical call, despite the obstacle's that arise, from the courage of the Martyrs.

The power of the Spirit, alive in us, is stronger than our weaknesses.
I ask daily for the guidance of the Spirit for my work in the Consortium and for the ecumenical movement.

Peace,
John

Theological Dialogue of the Catholic Church
and the Oriental Orthodox Churches

Friends:

I always tell people that there is a lot going on in the ecumenical world--but most of it we don't hear about.

Take for example, the recent statement on the the "Nature, Constitution and Mission of the Church" agreed to by the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue of the Catholic and Oriental Orthodox churches. I found it a very interesting statement [see Origins, February 12, 2009, pages 551-560 for the official text].

The representatives note that the document " displays a large base of agreement in fundamental matters of ecclesiology"[559]. As always, there will always be areas for continuing work.

Even if we come into full communion I think that there will still be areas to work on.
The work of theologians will continue--And there will always be different schools of thought that disagree on some points--and think they are absolutely right!

The key question--how much agreement is enough for us to come together.
While this particular statement indicates areas for further dialogue, it did bring to my mind the 'bigger question'

Peace,
John

Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
Annual Convocation

Friends:

On Wednesday I traveled north to Gettysburg for the 2nd day of their Annual Convocation.
I met some alumni and friends--as well as administrators and faculty in the course of the day.

I always enjoy praying together--and arrived in time for the Festival Service of Holy Communion.
Paul Hoffman, who appeared later in the program, preached--about real life in his congregation in Seattle.

Following prayer, Diana Butler Bass offered an interesting overview of the 50 vibrant congregations she had studied. These were communities of Practices [doing], Tradition [remembering] and Wisdom [knowing]. There is much food for thought here on how we share the Gospel message in the contemporary world.

After the break for lunch, Bill Avery gave the Holman Lecture. He spoke about reading the Lutheran Confessions in an ecumenical partnership--key themes from the Augsburg Confession. Bill is moving toward official retirement this year--but with continuing connections with the Seminary. His talk was helpful--he sees thoughtful, creative and consultative pastors as necessary for congregational vitality for example.

A panel of Paul, Diana and Bill answered questions for an hour from the assembled alumni and friends of the seminary. I found much of what they said confirming my own thinking--rooted-ness in tradition is important for renewal as is incorporating the gifts of our ecumenical conversations of the last several decades.

Peace,
John

Friends of the Consortium Eighth Annual Reception
St. John's Episcopal Church--Lafayette Square

Friends:

Last evening 60 Friends of the Consortium, including members of the Consortium Student Board, gathered for ecumenical conversation, for a tour of the newly-renovated St. John's Church by Board Chairman Jim Lowe, and for a presentation by Dr. Shaun Casey of Wesley Seminary on "Religion and the Recent Election."

The tour of the Church of Presidents was excellent, the conversation delightful, the presentation personal and thought-provoking [Dr. Casey served as an advisor to Barack Obama during the campaign.], the question and answer session stimulating and provocative-- and the food excellent.

Our diverse group of friends and 'friends of friends' provides a mosaic of the rich life of the Consortium.
We continue to dialogue and debate with one another as we seek deeper understanding on the road to full communion.

Peace,
John

40th Anniversary Vespers
Washington Theological Union

Friends:

On Sunday night I was happy to attend the Easter Vespers celebrating the 40th Anniversary of WTU.
We prayed and sang at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Father Vincent Cushing, president emeritus, offered a reflection on the past, present and future of WTU.
He is still a masterful speaker.

It was good to see quite a few folks I had not seen recently--some for a few years.
It was good time for re-connecting

Anniversaries should be celebrated--and WTU has been filling the year with prayer and other festivities.

Peace,
John

Dedication of Academic Center and Theological Library
of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology
at Dominican House

Friends:

The Pontifical Faculty filled the past weekend with dedicatory events for their new Academic Center and Library. [If you drive along Michigan Avenue at night you can see the the library 'lit up' and students studying!]

I was free to participate in the Saturday morning events of the weekend.

As always, Fr. Augustine DiNoia, OP spoke clearly and well in a presentation which traced the 100 year+ history of what became the Pontifical Faculty. He spoke with humor and grace--and insight. And he answered questions afterwards.

At the Mass that followed, Father Carlos Azpiroz Costa, OP--Master of the Order of Preachers who had come from Rome--presided. The President, Father Steven Boguslawski spoke about Easter and the Resurrection life in a succinct homily that is worth further meditation. He closed with a contemporary poem.

This was the beginning of a new century for the Pontifical Faculty.
They certainly now have the best of facilities to use in fulfilling their mission for the church.

Peace,
John

Dean Bruce Birch of Wesley Theological Seminary
Receives Consortium Service Award

Friends:

Yesterday I was privilege to take part in the Symposium and Luncheon honoring Dr. Bruce Birch.
Dean Birch will be retiring, after 38 years of full-time service, this spring--though he will continue his affiliation with Wesley.

Consortium Board Chairman James R. Lowe, Esq. presented Dr. Birch with the Consortium Service Award at the Luncheon.

Dr. Birch has been very supportive of his faculty colleagues in biblical studies throughout his years of service at Wesley. These colleagues, especially Dr. John Yieh of Virginia Theological Seminary-- Chair of the Biblical Studies Faculty Group, encouraged the Consortium to recognize Bruce Birch for his outstanding leadership.

Dean Birch provided much service to the Consortium Council of Academic Deans during his tenure as Dean at WTS. He served as Chair of the Council for many years. His wisdom and good judgment--and his collaborative style--enriched all faculty and students in the Consortium.

We will miss his presence and his good humor at our meetings--but wish him a wonderful retirement.

Note: The Service Award is only give occasionally. Dean Martha Horne of Virginia Theological Seminary was the previous recipient.

Peace,
John

Mission in a Secular World
My Presentation for the Richmond Forum on Mission and Missiology

Friends:

This past Thursday I was privileged to speak to the Mission Group in Richmond on
"Mission and Secularism: Sharing Faith in AmericaToday."

Dr. Stan Skreslet of Union/PSCE invited me and hosted the evening for the colleagues.

The occasion impelled me to put some of my thoughts on paper.
The discussion with the members was thought-provoking.
I will be revising my paper and adding new thoughts.

It has always been a privilege for me to work with the three member institutions of the Richmond Consortium.
So I am a sad that our association will come to an end this June.
I perceive that on Thursday I made my last official visit--though I intend, as a friend, to stop in from time to time at the 2 schools who are departing, Union/PSCE and BTSR.

On Monday the Board of the Washington Theological Consortium voted to admit the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University to the Consortium---so our relationship will continue in a new way--and I will continue to travel to Richmond but in a somewhat different role.

Peace,
John

The Cathedral College

Friends:

As you many of you know the College of Preachers--which became the Cathedral College has been an Associate Member of the Consortium for many years. As many also know the Cathedral College will pass out of existence as part of the overall reorganization going on at the National Cathedral.

You may not know that the College had a Prayer Service in the College Chapel and a Reception last Sunday to mark the transition. Dr. Martha Horne, retired Dean of Virginia Theological Seminary, hit just the right note in her reflections at the Prayer Service. She acknowledged our sense of loss at the closing of the College; She emphasized our trust in God that the future too will hold good things. As one door closes another opens.

At the Reception it was very good to see so many friends--of the College and of the Consortium.

You may not know that the National Cathedral will continue as an Associate Member of the Consortium as it seeks to express its educational mission in new ways.

Peace,
John

The Apple of God's Eye
A Play Based on Genesis 1-12
Written by Dr. Gene Rice
And Performed in His Honor

Friends:

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the performance of Dr. Rice's play at Howard Divinity School.
It was outstanding. I love the way Dr. Rice wove in such important teaching in a clear and often humorous way. It is really a reflection for today of course--and on how to live in our changing world.

Dr. Rice is on the verge of retirement--and the performance was to honor him and his life as Professor of OT at Howard.

Many were in attendance. People had to look for seats. The cast was large and enthusiastic. The audience warm and friendly. It was quite a tribute!

I spoke with current students and faculty and graduates who had come back for the occasion. The sense of community was palpable--All in honor of a distinguished professor and his wife Betty.

Peace,
John

PS I was trying to recall when I first met Dr. Rice. I think it was at the Divinity School at a Consortium Convocation. It was when the Divinity School was still on the main campus--and I was new. I remember him even then as gracious and hospitable.

Second Kreitler Environmental Lecture at VTS

Friends:

I have been overwhelmed by events in recent weeks and have not had much time for blogging.
This is about to change and I will update you on events/reflections.

On Tuesday I attended the The Second Kreitler Environmental Lecture at VTS.
Bishop James Jones of Liverpool, Church of England was the lecturer and a fine one he is.

His Title "What is the Role of the Church in Environmental Stewardship?
The Son of Man and the Renewing of the Earth"

His presentation--both scholarly and pastoral--raised many questions. What stuck with me is his question about the Son of Man sayings--could these be a bridge to our Muslim friends and perhaps to others. He called for study in detail.

After the lecture, as promised, I adjourned with Dr. Richard Jones and his colleague Ms. Gurbet Salim, to their classroom to meet fifteen Muslim and Christian students who are studying together about Practical Issues. They offered very interesting comments on the lecture and then two students gave the weekly presentations. These were on leadership in church and mosque--fascinating to see how they even approached the questions.

I congratulate Dr. Jones and Ms. Salim.
They are pioneers in offering courses for our new Certificate Program in Muslim-Christian Studies.


Peace,
John

Friends:

We have several administrative groups in the Consortium.
A very important one is the Registrars Group.

The Registrars make the cross registration happen.
[we have 180-220 cross registrations each semester]

I tell all new students--talk to your Registrar, cross-registrations go through him or her,
after your advisor/Dean has approved.

The Registrars meet regularly to clarify their work together.
I update them on various happenings in the Consortium--especially those which might impact their work.

This meeting saw a review and initial approval of a Handbook for Registrars.
The Handbook details responsibilities and processes--this will be especially helpful to new Registrars as they are learning their responsibilities.

Thanks to Marguerite Connolly in the Consortium office for putting this Handbook together.
And to Mitchell Bond of Wesley and Bart Merella of WTU for commenting on the first draft.

Peace,
John

"An Educated Man"

Friends:

I found the sermon given yesterday afternoon by Rev. William W. Bennett at the HUSD Alumni Chapel Service most thought-provoking. The part that 'spoke to me' was about Gamaliel. The educated man had the sense to see what was going on--the Apostles spoke with power. He counseled leaving them alone.

The deeper point is that we must change when God calls us to change. Gamaliel realized that change was imminent. Rev. Bennett notes that we will need to continue to change throughout life.

Now I can be resistant to change. I like some things to remain constant. I want some control.
But the reality of the spiritual life is that I have to change to become more like Christ!

I have to keep open to change--I learn this over and over--including yesterday.

Peace,
John

Emerging Church

Friends:

Last Thursday I heard a dynamic, post-modern, anecdotal and most interesting address by Dr. Peter Rollins of Dublin. Peter is a young leader in the Emergent Church movement and founder of Ikon--an experimental collective.

The John Leland Center for Theological Studies sponsored this lecture and discussion. Rev. Dr. Bill Smith, Pastor of Memorial Baptist in Arlington hosted the lecture and reception. Rev. Dr. Mark Olson, president of Leland provided the introduction. I offered the prayer.

This was not an address for the faint-hearted. Peter question many contemporary church approaches--and called, as he does in his books, for radical change. Rev. Dr. John Lee of Leland offered a spirited and much more analytical response.

I always think that it is good to have my presuppositions challenged once and awhile.
Peter's lecture challenged the role of the priest; it stressed personal relationships.
It was personal--and in parts compelling [e.g. take responsibility for your choices!].

I forgot to mention--the crowd was overflowing!

Peace,
John

The Theologian is One Who Prays

Friends:

I was happy to receive a paper from Dr. Tim Sedgwick, the Vice President of VTS.
The paper is a revised version of one he presented to the Lay Formators Group of Consortium faculty and staff at WTU last spring. I believe that this revised version is about to be published.

He begins by quoting Evagrius Ponticus: " The theologian is the one who prays truly, and on who prays truly is a theologian."

He goes on to say a little later: "Perhaps...theology as a divine science is more like poetry than the natural or social sciences. The knowledge of God is personal knowledge." This statement is thought-provoking. I'm not sure that all in our Consortium would agree!

After this provocative start, Tim discusses spiritual practices at length.
He and I have discussed these over many years.

I will enjoy seeing the published version!

Peace,
John

More on Contemplation

Friends:

I finally had a chance today to read Dr. Philip Sheldrake, SJ's January presentation at WTU entitled "Contemplation and Social Transformation: The Example of Thomas Merton." This paper affirms a point I made in an earlier blog--our life of prayer needs to found all that we do, including our work for social justice. Contemplation and work for justice are not separate spheres but must be deeply interrelated. Sheldrake presents a brief but magisterial tour of Merton's thinking. He refers to many contemporary exponents of this point of view including the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

Peace,
John

The Truth of History and Reconciliation



Friends:



On Sunday I was able to attend a quite fascinating presentation at Wesley on the History of the Mormons--I read about Mormon history when I was young and so wanted to know more. The presentation by Dr. Richard E. Turleywas a clear and focused discussion of the 'meadows massacre'. This is a particularly painful part of the history which has been the object to scholarly investigation in recent decades. This violent incident of the 1850's--now understood more clearly--needs to be acknowledged in order to be healed. Healing in a community, even 150 years later, can be difficult. This seems to be true for humans in many parts of the world. I was very impressed witht his effort to come to grips with the past in order to move into the future.



Peace,
John

Engaging Ministry Through Contemplation

Friends:

The title for this particular blog comes from one of the folks in our luncheon discussion yesterday. After much email correspondence, Rev. David Keller came from Ithaca, NY to Washington and shared his love for contemplation and education--and some details on the Contemplative Ministry Project [CMP] that Thomas Keating, Tilden Edwards, David and several others have been praying over since 2002.

A group of us gathered to learn more and engage in a little dialogue and discernment.
Shalem Spirituality Center hosted us for lunch, prayer and conversation--and its Director Bill Dietrich facilitated the dialogue.

Bill had told me about the CMP a year ago--and I wanted to learn more.
As you know, I teach Spiritual Ecumenism and think that the life of prayer is the foundation for studying theology and for pastoral ministry.

So finally, in Spirit's time and not my normal rush, we met. Now we are praying and discerning. I will contact the participants in a month or so to see where we are.

If you have interest, send me an email.
crossin@washtheocon.org

In the Spirit,
John

Money, Sex, Power, Life and Death: Using the New Testament in Social Ethics

Friends:

My slight revision of Professor Richard Burridge's somewhat 'tongue in cheek' title for the draft of his new book on Social Ethics captures both the good humor and seriousness of a discussion last night at VTS. Dr. John Yieh and his wife Sue hosted a group of faculty for a substantive dinner in their home. Then the even more substantive discussion ensued. Dr. Burridge, Dean of King's College London, took notes furiously as the ideas he presented initially were commented on, elaborated, qualified, nuanced--and altered. All this is part of the collaborative process leading to his next work [sequel to his Imitating Jesus: An Inclusive Approach to NT Ethics].

It was a very informative and intellectually challenging evening.

Peace,
John

History Aids Understanding

Friends:

Some of you know that I like history.
Recently I have 2 Consortium opportunities 'to soak in some more.'

Last Thursday, Dean Kevin Irwin of CUA spoke about liturgy today and tomorrow in the Catholic Church to an overflow crowd at CUA. The context--in the history of the liturgy and in theology--provides apt insights--insights into what is happening now and might happen in the future. Drawing on a lifetime of work in the field Dean Irwin nuanced my understanding of the present realities. [His talk can be found in Origins, Februay 26, 2009, "Which Liturgy is the Church's Liturgy?" Pgs 581-89.]

This past Wednesday I was happy to hear Dr. Shaun Casey explore his new book--The making of a Catholic President: Kennedy vs. Nixon 1960 [Oxford University Press 2009]. The book is fascinating--much of the material comes from Dr. Casey's study of archives. Thus there is some new material here. Since the session was a Consortium faculty group meeting, there was ample time for discussion! Dr. Casey writes well--and looks closely at the religious dynamics of the campaign. Of course, it too, as Msgr. Irwin's address, is not without ample application to today.

Peace,
John

Al Alwani Chair in Muslim-Christian Dialogue

Friends:

Last Monday was quite a day for the Washington Theological Consortium.

The Board of Trustees of the Consortium Approved Initial Funding for a Chair
in Muslim-Christian Dialogue.

The funding will be provided for the next three years by the Heritage Trust.
The Trust is the a major supporter of the Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences.

As many of you know, the Graduate School and the Consortium have launched a Certificate Program in Muslim-Christian Dialogue. The Scholar who holds the Chair will offer some of the courses needed to secure this Certificate. These courses will be available to any student in a Consortium School.

As you can imagine, the Board of the Consortium is deeply grateful to the Board of the Heritage Trust for making initial funding available for this important position. We will now be able to move forward with dispatch.

In the near future the representatives of the Consortium and the Heritage Trust will sign the official agreement. The agreement already enjoys the support of both Boards.

More details will be forthcoming shortly.

Peace,
John

2009 Figel Address and Prayer Service for Christian Unity

Friends:

On Monday the Consortium had its Annual Celebration for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity--sponsored by the Consortium Student Board. The Students provided an excellent service--Tim Malone of VTS presided and the VTS choir sang. Students from the Board handled all aspects of the Prayer Service. It was wonderful and well-attended. Thanks to all the members of the Board.

It has been our custom in recent years to present the Consortium Ecumenism Award, given by the Board of Trustees, to an outstanding ecumenist. This year the awardee was Bishop Theodore Schneider [Ted to his many friends and colleagues] recently retired Bishop of the Metropolitan DC Synod of the Evangelical Church in America. He is a grass-roots ecumenist! And has supported many, many ecumenical events and projects in our region.

The award was given by Board Chairman Mr. James Lowe. Many Board members were present. Bishop Graham of the ELCA [Ted's successor] and Bishop Mark Dyer [ a previous recipient] were in attendance also along with numerous clergy, faculty and students.

After the Award there was something new--the First Annual Figel Address.
Mr. Jack Figel, businessman, prominent ecumenist, and member of our Board, has committed himself to fund this annual Prayer Service and a major address by the recipient of the Ecumenism Award. Mr. Figel is always seeking to advance the cause of Christian Unity.

Bishop Schneider gave a superb address--it and pictures of the event will be posted next week on the Consortium Website. The address is worth printing out and saving for ready reference!
It was quite a beginning--and quite a day for ecumenism in the Consortium.

Peace,
John

The Noted Ecumenist, Canon Paul Avis

Friends:

In the last two days I have had the privilege of hearing Canon Paul Avis, General Secretary of the Church of England's Council for Christian Unity, speak twice.

The first was a discussion of Dr. Avis' book Beyond the Reformation: Authority, Primacy and Unity in the Conciliar Tradition. Dean Ian Markham of Virginia Theological Seminary convened a faculty discussion of this work at his home on campus this past Wednesday evening. He was kind enough to include me.

The book is very informative on the history of Conciliarity and the Conciliar movement in the church. The history is complex. Avis argues that the Conciliar movement affected the Reformation. Themes of conciliarity are with us today in our ecumenical discussion but we sometimes fail to appreciate the long history of Conciliar thought.

Yesterday Canon Avis gave a lecture at Catholic University in the late afternoon on ethics and communion--at the invitation of Msgr. Paul McPartlan and Dean Irwin. Since I am a moral theologian by training, I was very interested to see what he would say. I was not disappointed.

He confirmed my belief that there is not much literature on ecumenical ethics and personal morality--there is more on social ethical questions. In his detailed presentation, he proposed a starting point and some principles to guide the discussion. A version of this presentation will appear in a book he is writing for T&T Clark.

What I am happy to see is that a leading ecumenist is beginning to address issues of personal morality. I think this is necessary. In fact I have convinced the Board of the North American Academy of Ecumenists to have its annual meeting, to be held here in Washington September 25-27, focused on ecumenical ethics. I will present more on this in a later blog.

It was two days of intense learning--something good for me.

It also was an intellectual feast for our Celebrations of Christian Unity.

Peace,
John

The Challenge of St. Paul

On Friday night I was very happy to hear Father John Donahue, SJ's lecture on Paul.
This was the annual Hecker Lecture at St. Paul's College. It was subtitled: The Challenge for Our Country Today.

I find it enjoyable to hear a leading biblical scholar speak to one of his areas of expertise.

There were numerous good points--and Fr. Donahue handed out some texts and bibliography.
[His text can now be found in Origins: Catholic News Service Documentary Service, 38/34, February 5, 2009, pages 541-546.

One point he made about St. Paul's Call has stuck with me.

Paul kept his Judaism.
And he accepted Christ.
The Call--experienced so dramatically--was transforming for him

This reminded me that in our ecumenical work it is not a matter of giving up our tradition but rather of going deeper in accepting Christ and letting our lives be transformed by the Spirit. This transformation can often occur in our dialogue with our fellow Christians. We don't give up our own personal Christian history but rather go deeper together.

Peace,
John

PS I was great to see and speak with friends who were in attendance.

Prayer Service at Christ Lutheran Church

Friends:

This Saturday there was a Prayer Service for Christian Unity at Christ Lutheran Church on 16th Street NW. About 45-50 of us gathered. A lunch of soup, bread and deserts followed--including an hour of conversation.

A major force behind this service was Mrs. Susan Beck.
Susan was a student in my ecumenism class at LTSG last January.
I was very happy that as an intern at Christ Lutheran she was so instrumental in developing this service.

This service brought together a number of the local clergy--they had not gotten together in a few years. They hope that they will get together again soon.

Susan is an example of what I often say in class--one or two people can make a difference in our ecumenical collaboration.

Peace,
John

Student Orientation at Wesley

Friends:

I had an opportunity yesterday to be present at part of the Orientation of
New Students at Wesley Theological Seminary. All was well-run and everyone was most hospitable as usual.

I enjoy seeing faculty members--and having a chance to chat with a few.

I also enjoy speaking to all the students--and conversing between sessions with a few.
Two spoke with me of their great interest in ecumenism and interest in getting involved
in the ecumenical work of the Consortium. This made me feel good.

Orientation was a very good experience.

Peace,
John

Thanks to Wesley Dean for Community Life Shelby Haggray for all her work.

Inauguration

Friends:

Yesterday the Inauguration of President Obama not only flooded the city with visitors but marked a change in American History. In Washington, where slavery was once practiced, an African-American became President.

I think that this is a milestone for all of us. It marks a turning away from racism and discrimination.

I believe that we will always have to work to build bridges and not to set up barriers.
This work is ongoing and will not end with one event.
But we can rejoice that we have come this far.

Peace,
John