Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle

Our Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, Andrea Murray,writes about the dicesan day for ecumenical parish links held on Nov 3rd 07

Some fifty or so people from around the Diocese attended the diocesan day of support and reflection for Parish Ecumenical Links organised by the Diocesan Commission for Christian Unity held on 3 November 2007 at St Joseph’s Parish Centre in Gateshead.

Bishop Kevin Dunn welcomed the parish links and thanked them for their faithful service in the pursuit of Christian Unity in their local situation. Fr. Gordon Ryan, the new Chair of the Diocesan Commission outlined the changes that have taken place since the last time the parish ecumenical links came together. Most notably the death of the previous Chair of the Commission, Fr. Cuthbert Rand, in January of this year who was remembered in prayer.

The starting point for the main business of the day was a reflection led by Rev. Colin Carr OP on what it means to return to faithfulness and to live in accordance with the covenant established with us by God and how this influences our ecumenical commitment.

Mgr. Andrew Faley, Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Affairs & Interfaith Relations for the Bishops Conference presented an insightful picture of what drives the Bishops Conference in relation to ecumenism and how it is in turn nourished by what happens at the local level.

 

He spoke of the importance of not just ‘playing conkers!’ with other traditions but of seeking the truth in each Christian tradition.

He signaled one of the key recent trends in ecumenism as being the emphasis on unity AND mission – of working together as well as praying together and outlined the many signs of hope in what is happening both at the local and national levels.

The day concluded with thanks to the speakers and all the participants, and worship which included a Renewal of Ecumenical Commitment led by Bishop Kevin.