Ecumenical Overload

I am a member of two ecumenical ministerial groups here in town. One is dominated by more mainline churches, and the other more conservative, evangelical churches. St. Francis has been warmly welcomed by both. These groups are very important, because not only does it provide emotional, professional, and spiritual support, but also networking opportunities. The first group is sponsoring a series of ecumenical Lenten services that we are a part of. The second group is new, and while we probably will not do joint services, we will pray for each other and offer each spiritual support and counsel in a spirit of Christian charity. 

This is a new thing for St. Francis. From what I have heard it has historically been something of a standoffish church, which was largely the culture of our former jurisdiction. That spirit has done nothing but weakened this and many other continuing Anglican parishes over the years. Like a nerdy guy trying to get a date, we can't possibly grow or spread the Catholic faith if we do not put ourselves "out there" in various way. This is just one of these ways. And while we are certainly not in doctrinal agreement on many issues with the ministers in both of these groups, and cannot share in the sacraments, we can work together in other productive ways. And we can also learn something from each other. I have really appreciated the insights into building and sustaining a ministry in this unique college town that I have gained from the AMiA and PCA clergy that I have met with, as well as from the UMC, Roman Catholic, and Baptist clergy. As clergy we face many of the same issues, such as church-hopping, and people not establishing membership at a parish.

So I am looking forward to more interaction with these folk as the years go on! I think that our parish will come out stronger because of it - especially in our anglo-catholic convictions.