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The Atlantic Ecumenical Council Member denominations
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A |
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E |
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C |
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ATLANTIC ECUMENICAL COUNCIL |
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Welcome to the AEC |
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Constitution |
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Officers - 2009-2010 |
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AST events |
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FROM MEMBER BODIES:
Reports were received from the following member bodies of the Council - Churches: Reports were received from the following member churches: (1). Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island: The Rev. Liz Earley Ecumenical/Interfaith Officer reported:
This year, as Ecumenical/Interfaith Officer for the Diocese, I have been welcomed as observer at maritime Conference, The Atlantic Baptist Convention, and the Presbyterian Synod, as well as attending the Synod of the Luthern Church [with whom we are in full communion]. It is always a joy to pray and be with others in this way, because it grounds one in the wider mission of the ‘Church’. It is a pleasure also to welcome observers in our own Synod. It would be interesting to extend the invitations to youth in our denominations. At this time of declining enrolment and church closures, there seems, to me at least, to be an entrenchment, maybe one could call it protectionism, within the congregations. The wonderful possibilities of shared buildings or programs (Bible Study or Marriage Preparation, for instance) do not even seem to be entertained. Yet how rich such sharing could be spiritually, and how sensible in terms of workloads and finances! The Diocesan Ecumenical role also involves participation in ecumenical committees, Kairos, Habitat For Humanity and so on. However, it is often hard to find people who have the time for such commitments, and I know our denomination is not alone in this. Our lives are so busy! This busy-ness has as well an effect on the numbers who are able to come out to our workshops. shared services and so on. As in the past, I have found ecumenism to be working best at the local level, with shared events and celebrations of all kinds. Last year, I questioned the role of the AEC and hoped it could still serve our ecclesial communities, as it did so well when it was formed. This year I feel less optimistic about its relevance in its present form. However, just as a building is sometimes demolished so that a new structure can be built on the existing foundation, so perhaps something new can be built on the foundation of enthusiasm, prayerfulness, integrity and hope with which the AEC began.
( 3 ). Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): Neil Bergman shared notes ...
One of the major pieces of work of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the past year was the birthing of a new congregation at Portugese Cove in the Halifax area. Holding special meetings\gatherings on matters of interest to people of the area. Recent one was a reflection on “Solving The DaVince Code Mystery” Discussion has been shared on joint ministry in some areas.
(2). Roman Catholic: Diocese of Charlottetown: Mr. Earnst MacDonald, secretary forwarded the following report:
During 2006 the Commission on Ecumenism has taken further steps to encourage the various parishes to take some direct activities to promote ecumenism in their respective communities. This took the form of communicating to the parishes the positive results of the interfaith discussions in the community of Little Pond along with suggestions that similar activities would receive the active support of the Ecumenism Commission. Members of the Commission are to follow up in encouraging their respective parishes to become more active in this regard. The other relevant activity of the Commission has been the ongoing effort of providing information on ecumenism to the Catholic people of the Diocese trough the regular articles in the “Dialogue” which is distributed every second month in the parishes. These articles usually alternate between general explanations regarding ecumenism and a report on related activities taking place on the parish level. While the above actions are ongoing and will move the Commission toward two stated objectives: 1. To involve Catholic parishioners in dialogue with other Christians at the basic level of personal beliefs. 2. to become more aware of the responsibility each Christian has, to understand and support their brothers ans sisters in the practice of their faith. These two long term objectives which will require patience and perseverance in carrying them out with little to show in short term results. Ecumenism is a long term endeavor. The Commission has begun an in-depth study of the “Decree on Ecumenism” as set out in 1964 and is seeking updates to bring their discussions more in line with the many changes that has occurred over the past forty three years. The tremendous strides that have taken place in communications has enabled people from all over the world to talk to each other in ways not thought possible a few decades ago. This has meant that many divisive issues between peoples have been discussed and partially resolved at a faster pace than was previously thought possible. So too ecumenism: and this requires constant study to keep abreast of newer concepts and revised thinking. This task also will be ongoing.
( 3) Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Halifax: Chris Coffin offered aspects of the work of this Diocese:
The Diocese expresses its ecumenical commitment in a variety of ways.
Invitations to events and functions of other Churches are responded to whenever requested and possible. The present Bishop places a priority on working ecumenically on ministries and programs regarding social and justice issues. This is a time of closing and opening churches as patterns of population shifts require. Congregations find it painful to close a church. It usually takes a year to be able to discuss a major change and another year to develope a plan to deal with it. Situations are often complicated by the fact that the loudest objectors are ones who do not attend or contribute to the parish in question.
( 4 ). United Church of Canada, Maritime Conference: Bob Lockhart notes some aspects of the work of this body. including
Official Observers from other denominations and Faiths are invited to all major functions of the United Church. As well members from other churches are invited to sit on committees as members that relate to areas of ministry that over lap with them. Dialogue is invited with other churches in areas where the United Church is faced with or acting upon the need to relocate churches due to declining populations in certain areas, largely rural. A hand book has been produced for use in such situations. Bob can indicate where one may be obtained by anyone interested. |
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Maritime Division |
