Friends:

I have been quite busy for the last several days finalizing the Grant Proposal of the Consortium Science and Religion Faculty Group [CSRG]. They are seeking funding for their 3 year project on reconciliation. This is a most worthy project. The Group often surprises me in what they would like to do.

A Summary:

A Platform for Peacebuilding

The exploration will be of “What the Sciences, Theology, Spirituality, Philosophy and the Humanities teach us about building peace in our fractured world.” The will involve a review of recent literature in these fields, conversation with leading thinkers, dialogue among all participants, and attempts at synthesis of the varied dimensions.

A key element of this project will be to investigate Peacebuilding from a scientific point of view. While the current literature on reconciliation is plentiful, this scientific perspective is only now becoming more evident.

A second key element is theology/spirituality. The expertise of the CSRG includes that of scientists with training in theology as well as theologians with knowledge of science.

The project will have multiple dimensions (planks in the platform). These are (1) Animal Behavior; (2) Reconciliation between Peoples and Nations; (3) Ecumenical Reconciliation; (4) Education for Mutual Understanding of Science and Religion. One member of the group will be the point person [coordinator] for each dimension. Each of the four coordinators has a national reputation in his/her field.

Toward the end of the project we will seek to develop a synthesis or syntheses. We will share all this work in publication.


I hope that this proposal receives funding.

I realize that this proposal shows that here in WTC we are working on the
Major Issues of Our time.

Peace,
John

Friends:

Today is the long awaited day at Dominican House.

The administration and staff of the Pontifical Faculty will move into the new wing. The construction phase is coming to an end and the educational phase beginning.

This seems exciting and exhausting all at the same time!
I notice that the library, which is also moving, will be closed for a couple weeks as they get everything in order.

The 'old' building--where the Consortium Offices are located--will soon be undergoing renovations. Eventually we will return to the north or front side of the building.

This is an important day and the realization of a dream.

I told the Dean's Assistant Joan that we will be over for a visit once the move is complete!!

Peace,
John

Friends:

In Catholic, Evangelical and 'Mainline' literature, there is frequent mention these days of contemplation.

I recently saw an article in Christian Century which talked of the contemplative roots of our social action.

I like to distinguish meditation from contemplation--meditation being an active reflection on a Scripture passage or a spiritual text, seeking insight and knowledge, but with a view toward living the Christian life.

I view contemplation more as listening, as involving more silence--as we wait for God to speak to us. I am much more comfortable with meditation--since I tend more to learning and action. But I realize that when I am too active I am out of balance--needing more time to listen to God. It can be hard to keep the balance!.

My observation is that contemplation leads me to greater peace of heart and ultimately to more effective action. I think it is the nourishment for a long-term commitment to ministry.

Peace,
John

Friends:

I paid a little visit yesterday to Capital Bible Seminary, our member in Lanham, yesterday.

The Seminary, relatively new to permanent membership in the Consortium, is fast becoming a center for evangelical theology and ministry. Dr. Mercer, now in his third year as president, has a clear vision for the future--and colleagues who are very dedicated.

I met Dr. Mercer himself as well as Acting Dean Gerard Davis and Library Director William Banks. While I shared a great deal about developments in the Consortium, I also learned much about developments at CBS.

I also ran into a student I know who not only got into a tough scripture course with an esteemed and demanding professor but also had just spent most of the night studying for the mid-term!! I was reminded of a previous version of myself!!

Peace,
John

Friends:

The recent feast of All Saints [November 1] and its companion feast All Souls [Nov. 2] remind me of the importance of holiness for ecumenism.

I firmly believe that we need saints to guide us.
This is especially true as we get closer to full communion and we are walking uphill.

These saints are present in all Christian traditions.
We need their sure guidance.
Brother Roger of Taize is often cited as an example--but there are many others.

I don't think that holiness is perfection. From my own [Salesian Catholic] tradition I recall that St. Francis de Sales was dissatisfied with the biographies of saints that excluded their weaknesses. These hagiographies made their holiness unattainable, unreal. Rather holy ones among us are quite sensitive to their own failures and weaknesses. They know they rely completely on the guidance of the Spirit.

All of this can conveniently be 'pushed away' by thinking--"I'll keep my eye out for these folks"
Perhaps we should be thinking--"I'll follow them" or more profoundly "I am open to the Spirit should I be called"

Peace,
John

Friends:

Today I was privileged and happy to attend the installation of Dr. Alton Pollard as Dean at the Howard University School of Divinity. It was a very joyful celebration--with lots of good preaching. I felt surrounded by preachers and by a very large and responsive group of alumni, faculty, students and friends. Even more reserved Roman Catholics were saying amens at this service!

Yesterday morning I heard Dr. Pollard outline his vision for the future--soaring at some points, concrete at others. He is a dynamic and thoughtful speaker. To me it seems that he will be sprinting up the hills that lie ahead.

I was thinking on the way back here that the Consortium is blessed with excellent leaders in its institutions. Each very different to be sure--but also highly qualified and enthusiastic.

I am privileged to serve such an outstanding group.

Peace,
John

Friends:

I always enjoy the Luther Colloquy at Gettysburg Lutheran and last Wednesday was no exception. There are always interesting conversations--Dr. Christiansen was telling me more about his new book on the church for example.

This year Dr. Balas in his presentation raised the question of the office we are called to by God.
For me this raised the issue of my own call--how did I get into ecumenical work anyhow [the answer to this is in one of my articles on our website] or more particularly, how am I to continue this work?

Besides personal reflections, I always learn or relearn something about Luther. What sticks with me this time is a point noted by Dr. Balas and Dr. Philip Krey of Philadelphia Lutheran--Luther's work was motivated by pastoral concern from his earliest days as a reformer to his last days.

Of course Dr. Stjerna, President Cooper-White and many others are always most hospitable during any visit I make.

Peace,
John

Friends:

The ecumenical movement is almost 100 years old.
What would things look like if we Christians--or most of us--came into full communion soon.

One aspect of unity which I talk about 'half jokingly' is our need to continue to fight.
One of my little articles is entitled "More People to Fight With"
Christians have been disagreeing with each other since the beginning.
I see no reason to believe that we will not continue to disagree on lots of matters--and even to create new matters to disagree on moving forward--even if we are in full communion.

A key question in coming to full communion, it seems to me, is
What Will We Leave to Later?

Or, what absolutely has to be resolved now--and what can wait for later resolution.
There is some danger of making everything equal and thinking we have to settle every single issue right away.

I believe that we can leave some matters for the next 100 years as we grow in our full communion!

Some disagreements, discussion, etc can be left to later--perhaps the Holy Spirit will give our successors a few insights and things to do.

So the question is What is really most important--and what can be wisely left until later?

Peace,
John