I attended this for the first time this month and it was a really rich experience. It is a fabulous way to understand better what Churches Together in England and ecumenism, in general, is all about. There are lots of different denominations and charities represented and the conversations, both within the official programme and all around it in less formal capacities, are a real opportunity to meet people with different perspectives and qualities in a âsafe spaceâ created to engender such encounters and fruitful outcomes of many kinds. I met people from different Churches Together regions and charities, denomination leaders and heard from lots of inspiring presenters.
I would highly recommend that our own Cumbrian denominational officers take a few days out of busy schedules to do likewise as that opportunity arises again in about three yearsâ time! They also welcome youth delegates to come and participate, so it would be great if you could be on the look-out for suitable candidates for that too.
Some of the highlights for me were hearing from the high calibre presenters, having opportunity to chat with the CEO of Linking Lives, Jeremy Sharpe, about the development of projects across Cumbria addressing the problem of isolation, attending a workshop with Ruth Rice, Founder and CEO of Renew Wellbeing Cafés, the opportunity to experience different kinds of worship, meeting other County Ecumenical Officers, finally meeting Fr Jerome Ainsworth from Cumbria, in person, and bumping into an old friend, now working with the Evangelical Alliance.
On my return there remain several new links and relationships to follow up and teaching and information to process in thought and prayer.
If anybody would like to know more about Forum or have questions, Iâd be happy to hear from you. (jo@churchestogethercumbria.org
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This is what CTE have to say about the event:
The Churches Together in England Forum, the broadest ecumenical gathering in the country, ended on 16/3/22 with a renewed commitment that the church is ready to serve a âbroken worldâ.
More than 300 delegates from CTEâs 52 national Member Churches, Bodies in Association and partner organisations met to discuss the theme âReconciling Hope: A broken church for a broken worldâ viewed through the lenses of racial justice and the climate emergency.
CTE President, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, spoke on reconciliation in a post-Covid world. He urged the church to embrace its diversity and, âwhere we disagree, we must learn to disagree wellâŠlook outwards and respond to the crises that surround us, with the love of God that is within us, and with the unity that can be reached between us.â
Tearfund Global Advocacy and Influencing Director, Canon Dr Ruth Valerio, addressed the question of reconciliation with the earth. She said facing the climate emergency is an integral part of the Christian faith: âWe need to get hold of Godâs love for the world. In Genesis 1:31 âGod saw all that he had made, and it was very good.ââ
Professor Anthony Reddie and Rev Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson spoke on reconciling communities. Professor Reddie demanded that the church confront its collusion with the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. Dr Henry-Robinson challenged individuals to think where they found themselves - as oppressors or following Jesusâs way of justice, hope and peace.
Orthodox theologian Dr Ralph Lee reminded delegates that, âas we seek to understand one another better, deep listening helps us overcome the difference in our language and traditions.â
During the gathering, the Forum attendees made two statements on Ukraine. The first, calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities and for churches everywhere to campaign for an end to the war in Ukraine. The second, appealing to the UK government to support the churches offering welcome and sanctuary to Ukrainian refugees.
As Forum drew to a close the new General Secretary of Churches Together in England, Bishop Mike Royal was commissioned into his role. He addressed Forum with his vision for the Church across England:
âWeâve got to build a bigger table to gather around and listen to the voices which are often not heard. We need to raise a new generation of ecumenists. And to be ready to respond practically and relevantly to the needs in the world that God has called us as a church to serve.â
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