I have heard some comments over the course of the conference saying that there is too much focus on business and procedure and the structure of the organisation in this assembly. A lot of the discussion on friday focussed on the question of appointing a group to explore the possibility of restructuring the organisation. Young and old people have been saying that ecuminism should be about relationship and dialogue and it should be christ-centred.
I don't think we need to worry too much. The meetings may be a lot of business, but in between i have heard lots of interesting ecumenical discussions, lots of fun, laughter and friendship across denominational boundaries. And in the worship services we have seen a diverse group of people worshipping together in languages and styles that may be unfamiliar to them. Real ecumenism is happening in this conference. It's not as easy to quanitfy as a number of votes cast for a motion, or a percentage of delegates from a particular demographic group nominated for a committee. But the human dialogue and relationship and the prayerful encounters that are going on are at the heart of this assembly, and will have a much more lasting impact than any decision made on finance or policy.
A sermon from Korea on Luke 19
11 years ago
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Nice blog, you hit the nail.
ReplyDeleteThis untold purpose of those expensive, headache–causing meetings probably the most important benefit.
Pitty outsiders cannot share, left with the least common denominator documents and sterile, polished press releases. [some-emoticon-goes-here].
Nothing better invented yet, I know, but still: 'Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.’
Enjoy, what you have discovered and described. And wishing success to the financial toiling, too.
Dear englishsteward,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Here is already a huge amount of common Ecumenical experiences. For myself, I enjoyed the services and worships very much, and also the attending of the service in the Armenian church of Lyon at Sunday.
The voices who demand less politics and more Ecumenical gathering don't seem to be realistic to me. We as churches are different and have different point of views. That's why we have to discuss, to bargain and to take decisions, even if there is no consensus.
A different thing is, if all players in the field act in a fair way. I think that some of them should be more transparent and more honest in the things they are saying.