Anyway there we were, gathered together from our different traditions, doing what the Lord Jesus asked us to do: to be one. So, in the time of Prayer for Christian Unity, we got together and danced the anniversary waltz and, no doubt we will gather together and dance next year around the same time. That's how anniversaries work. There was no doubting the genuineness of those present and the pleasure of meeting together. But, while the week of Prayer for Christian Unity is to be valued and such meetings to be encouraged, you have to ask the question:Is that it?
The service was led by a a very pleasant woman who was the secretary for the local Council of Churches. I suppose I knew vaguely of its existence but that's about it. What does it do? When and where does it meet? Who is part of this Council and what sort of feedback, connection and consultation is there to the pewfodder? I cannot speak for the Methodists and Anglicans but, from the RC point of view, I feel the return of an old and reliable friend: communication or not as the case may be. I intend to do a seperate post on this, so let's move on.
Christian Unity is urgent, it is a command of the Lord, not a polite suggestion. Praying once a year and meeting during one week each year is just about a start. Now, I know there are big issues of doctrine, practice, organisation, authority and so on that seperate us, but these are not up to us to deal with; bigger fish than us swim in that pool (maybe one or two pirhanas as well).
But we should not hide behind the big issues nor use them as reasons for not meeting, sharing with and getting to know our non-Catholic but authentically Christian sisters and brothers. After all, we share the same Spirit and acknowledge the same Lord and Saviour.
Now,maybe there are all sorts of activities going on out there and maybe I should stop blogging and get out more. But I don't know what is happening and that brings us back to the issue of communication.