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