VU: Visible Unity Ecumenical Newsletter of the Diocese of Owensboro Spring 2012 INSIDE VU VU (pronounced view) is the quarterly newsletter of the Ad limina: ecumenism Office of Ecumenism and Interreligious Relations of the Pope Benedict XI, in his ad limina address to Diocese of Owensboro. VU is itself witness to the Visible American Bishops, spoke about the im- portance of ecumenism. Unity of the People of God, the Church of Jesus Christ. VU also reports on current events within the Diocese of Ow- He said: “I hope the Year of Faith contrib- utes, with the cordial collaboration ensboro that manifest and promote Christian unity. Vu also of all components of the People of God, to make God present again in the world.” offers timely articles on the status of Christian unity from the national perspective. Informative and instructive, VU is The Pope also said that ecumenical dialogue is a “task that's closely related to the work of published quarterly and offered at no cost through the the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith.” diocesan website. "The momentum of ecumenical work should start from 'spiritual ecumenism' which is 'the RE: VU soul of the ecumenical movement'. It's GRASSROOTS p. 2 Useful information found in the spirit of prayer, so that we may 'all be one.'” for anyone seeking the visible unity of the Church. “Indifference and relativism also pose a dan- ger, said the Pope. Especially when working toward the unity of all Christians. He said FROM THE TOP p. 3 A summary report true ecumenism is “faith that man will find from the numerous ecumenical dialogues the truth.” “Without faith,” said the pope, the entire ecumenical movement is reduced to a Catholic church has held with other Christian form of social contract.” communions. This quarter’s summary is from the Catholic-Reformed dialogue. While working toward Christian unity, it's indispensable to have union on issues like human life, bioethics, the family, sexuality, E-TRENDS p. 4 This last page fea- freedom, justice and peace.” ture is an in-depth summary of ecumenical Bishop William Medley was among those trends. bishops listening to the Pope. GRASSROOTS Intercessions for Christian Unity Rooted in Faith February: For all who have been consecrated in baptism, that they may remain together in Christ, we pray to the Lord. March: For Christians everywhere, that they may be kept united in the fellowship of love, we pray to the Lord. April: For all Christian Churches, that they may work to bring all believers together, we pray to the Lord. May: For all who proclaim Jesus is Lord, may they grow in the unity of faith and the fellowship of love, we pray to the Lord. The 50th International Eucharistic Congress What You Can Do To Help: Select one or more pa- rishioners to serve your parish as Ecumenical Advocates The 50th International Eucharistic Congress, which and submit their names to the Office for Ecumenism. will take place June 10-17 in Dublin, will include an An Ecumenical Advocate is a person appointed by the extensive involvement of Christians of other tradi- pastor to assist him in promoting the ecumenical move- tions in both the pastoral preparation and the offi- ment among the parish and within your local communi- cial program for the week. ty. The organizing committee of the 50th International Commission Meeting: All interested persons are wel- Eucharistic Congress, chose the beginning of the come to join us at our next meeting on Monday, March Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, as an inspiration 12 at Christ the King Parish in Madisonville from 11:00 for their planned Congress. am to 2:00 pm. Just let us know, by contacting Donna Biggs at the Catholic Pastoral Center, so we can include you in planning for our lunch. One of the more significant features of the event is the dedication of one day, June 11, to celebrating Ecumenical Commission and reflecting on the relationship of communion Angelica Almanza; Pat Crowe; Kelly Davis; Donna Favors into which Christians are drawn through baptism. Mary Jo & Wayne Hall; Frank E. Heil; Debi Hopkins Sr. Rose Karen Johnson; Fr. Dan Kreutzer; Jeff Lamb Melinda Prunty; Fr. Frank Ruff; Donald Shipley International Eucharistic Congresses are celebrated Martha Stewart; Alan Zambrano every four years. While previous Congresses have Fr. Tony Bickett, Ecumenical Officer sometimes included an ecumenical workshop Donna Biggs, Office Staff or prayer, the extensive involvement of Christians Elaine Robertson, Office Staff of other traditions in so many elements of this Con- Mission Statement: “The Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs gress (preparation of pastoral resources; Congress Office initiates and supports activities within our diocese for the week program; youth program) is quite unique, a promotion of full, visible unity among all Christians and promotes statement from organizers explained. greater understanding and cooperation among people of other religions.” 2 FROM THE TOP The Reformed - Catholic Dialogue A current summary This means that Christians will be active in the pro- The Kingdom of God in Scripture and Tradition motion of justice, liberation of the oppressed, peace and the protection of the environment and The Dialogue focuses on the Kingdom of will join their efforts with all those who seek to fos- God. The kingdom of God is a multi-faceted reality, ter such values. The kingdom is therefore a reason part of that mysterious design of God for the salva- for further dialogue and collaboration with the rep- tion of the world. It includes various tensions or resentatives of other religious traditions and with polarities: the kingdom is both present and future; all persons who seek to bring about a more humane it dwells in the hearts of individuals and transforms world, one governed by God and characterized by society; it is religious and spiritual but has secular the kinds of behavior about which Jesus speaks and political consequences; it gradually grows but when he announces the kingdom in word and deed. may also break out suddenly in a particular event. Christian faith does not exclude others from the It is the work of God, but is served by the actions care and action of God; rather Christians rejoice in of human beings. The kingdom is present with a the fact that God is present among all people and special force and power in the church, whose first that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are found among members were those who believed Jesus’ procla- the followers of many spiritual paths. When those mation of the kingdom and were sent to proclaim of other religions or even of no religious faith seek the good news of its expansive reality through his to reduce human suffering, to stand up for the death and resurrection. At the same time, the king- rights of the oppressed, to advocate effective re- dom is broader than the church; it is present in a sponses to such crises as natural disasters, famine, hidden manner whenever the Spirit of the risen the HIV and Aids pandemic, to foster peace and rec- Lord inspires individuals and communities to live onciliation and to call upon governments and cor- according to the values of the Gospel. This depth porations to promote the care of our planet, then and complexity is intrinsic to the mystery of God’s these are our partners. Out of our Christian faith we plan of salvation. An adequate theological exposi- wish to obey Christ’s command “Seek first the king- tion of the kingdom will maintain these tensions. dom of God”. We gratefully join together in solidar- In this perspective, one can say that the ity with others who seek some of the same goals kingdom and the church are not identical. The here mentioned… [who] seek to further the values kingdom is truly already present in the church and of God’s reign. yet it is beyond the church as the destiny of the whole of creation. The church is meant to serve From the Final Report the establishment of the kingdom as a prophetic sign and an effective instrument in the hands of God. 3 E-TRENDS Gathering at Assisi In the city made famous by Saint Francis, leaders of religions from across the globe gathered to meditate, pray and discuss peace and ecumenism. Numerous representatives from a variety of Christians gathered along with representatives from Judaism, Islam, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhs. The gathering came 25 years after the first gathering called by John Paul II during his pontificate. The current pope, Benedict XVI participated in the Assisi gathering as well. The participants discussed how interreligious cooperation can contrib- ute to world peace. They agreed that their quests, rooted in their traditions, are brought together in harmony as they all seek the fullness of their com- mon humanity. They discussed how the non-violent Mahatma Ghandi and Rev. Dr. Martin King, Jr could serve as examples of the spirit of Assisi to the partici- pants. The historic meeting between St. Francis and the Sultan is an example of the mutual respect and admiration people of religion must maintain for one another, if peace is to be truly manifest. Unlike those around him Fran- cis did not view the Sultan as an enemy. He approached the Sultan as a friend, not as an enemy. Francis was armed solely with brotherly love. As a result, Francis was received warmly by the Sultan. The spirit of Assisi– especially of St. Francis, summons people of all religions to face and integrate the “other” within, to appreciate and accept the “other” without. This is commonly known as metanoia— a change of heart.