Introducing Ecumenism
The Holy Spirit is at work today causing people everywhere to pray and work for Christian Unity – that unity so greatly desired by Christ. This Council urges all Catholics to co-operate fully with this grace and to devote themselves actively and intelligently to the work of ecumenism.
Ecumenism in the diocese expresses itself through the regular meetings and initiatives of the Bishop with other Church leaders, the “fraternal” gatherings attended by parish clergy, the activities of Churches Together groups, and the more formal “Local Ecumenical Partnerships” in which, for example, churches are shared by two or more denominations.
The movement encourages us all, individually and collectively, to practical co-operation, common witness, dialogue and prayer with our fellow Christians.
Ecumenism Team
| Diocesan Ecumenical Officer | Deacon Ken Carleton |
|---|---|
| Secretary | Pending |
Introducing Interfaith
The Church, in addition to her work for Christian Unity, is in dialogue with people of other faiths in order to build a harmonious society by promoting mutual respect, understanding and collaboration.
There are broadly speaking three kinds of dialogue, apart from the theological dialogue between acknowledged experts:
- The dialogue of life, based on the ordinary human experience of respect for people and friendship with them;
- The dialogue of action, when people work together for justice and common ethnical and social objectives;
- The dialogue of religious experience, where people of different religions who trust each other and are soundly grounded in their own faith share their respective spiritual riches.
Diocesan Interfaith Group
| Priest Member | Fr Britto Belevendran |
|---|---|
| Lay Member | Mr Patrick Hanley |
| Lay Member | Miss Becci Fryatt |
| Lay Member | Sr Mary Sophia Bastiampillai |