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