United Methodist Ecumenism 101 Rev. Dai Morgan Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference

United Methodism and Ecumenism Getting to know the opposite sects

OUTLINE: UM Ecumenism Definition 2.Mandate 3.Basic Principles 4.History 5.Focus on UMC 6.Practical Considerations 7.Conclusion

Etymology Ecumenical Oikoumenikos Dwelling/family + earth/world

Definition ec·u·men·i·cal [ek-yoo-men-i-kuh] adjective Pertaining to the whole Christian church. Promoting or fostering Christian unity throughout the world. Of or pertaining to a movement aimed at achieving Christian unity or church union through international interdenominational organizations that cooperate on matters of mutual concern.

Definition ecu-me-nism, noun Any effort aimed at the unity of Christians, locally or throughout the world. (not pronounced ec-u-men-ism)

Ecumenism NOT seeking one world church

The Lord’s Prayer John 17: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

The Book of Discipline 2012 ¶6, page 25 The Constitution, Article VI: Ecumenical Relations

The Book of Discipline 2012 ¶105, page 88 Our Theological Task Ecumenical Commitment

United Methodism and Ecumenism Connectional (¶125, page 93-94) Part of the DNA of United Methodists (John Wesley = “connexion”) “Life’s better when we’re connected” Bank of America

Ecumenism seeks Unity in Diversity We Christians are not all the same. Every communion has different histories, practices, doctrines and traditions. Unity does not mean uniformity. Diversity should not divide.

Lund Principle Affirms that churches should act together in all matters except those in which deep differences of conviction compel them to act separately. 1952, 3 rd World Conference on Faith and Order of WCC held in Lund, Sweden

Like the old songs says: Accentuate the positive Eliminate the negative

Two categories of ecumenical concern Faith and Order Life and Work

Roots of the Ecumenical Movement the Late 19 th Century Ecumenism is a concept of the modern world arising from the great upheaval of Western Civilization in the 19 th century; produced by cultural, social, political, philosophical, theological and technological changes. The idea of “Tolerance”

Ancient Ecumenical Councils Nicaea 325 Constantinople 381 Ephesus 431 Chalcedon 451 II Constantinople 553 III Constantinople 680 II Nicaea 787

Historical Milestones Late 19 th Century Protestantism Late 19 th Century, Pope Leo XIII 1910 World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh 1920 Patriarch Germanus V of Constantinople 1921 International Missionary Council, Mohonk, NY

Historical Milestones 1946 Church World Service 1948 World Council of Churches formed, Amsterdam 1950 National Council of Churches 1952 Faith and Order Conference, WCC, Lund, Sweden 1961 World Council of Churches, New Dehli

Historical Milestones Vatican II, Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI 1962 Consultation on Church Union (COCU) 1969 NWCU 1982 Faith and Order Conference, WCC, Lima, Peru (“BEM” Paper #111) 1995 Pope John Paul II

Methodist / Evangelical / United Brethren Post-WW II Ecumenical Formations Pages (2012 Book of Discipline) Historical Statement Movement Toward Union,

UMC Ecumenism Today Local Church District Conference Jurisdiction General Church

Local Church Ecumenical Shared Ministries ¶207, page 147

Most common areas of WPAUMC local church ecumenical work Ministerium Participation Food Pantries VBS Special Worship Services Bible Studies / Prayer Groups Mission Projects

Local Church Ways to organize mixed congregations ¶208, page 148 a)Federated Church b)Union Church c)Merged Church d)Yoked Parish

Ecumenical Structure Conference-level Bishop (¶414.6, page 330) Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships (¶642, pages )

General UMC Ecumenical Administration Council of Bishops (¶431, pages ; ¶436, page 347) OCUIR / Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships—attached to Council of Bishops (¶ , pages )

General UMC full communion partners Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Pan-Methodist Churches AME AMEZ AUMPC CMEC UAMEC

Inter-Methodist Relationships (Autonomous Methodist Churches) Affiliated Autonomous Methodist Churches Affiliated United Churches Covenanting Churches Concordat Churches (¶ , pages ) 2016 Pre-General Conference Consultation on Methodist Relationships

General UMC Ecumenical Movement Partnerships World Council of Churches National Council of Churches World Methodist Council Churches Uniting in Christ

How to start a local ecumenical partnership. It’s a relationship. How do you build relationships?

Ecumenical Worship and Ministry There is a difference between inviting other traditions and being ecumenical.

Ecumenical Worship nuts and bolts A collaboration (planning) Select a theme Include a procession or gathering element Involve youth (include in planning) Have only one or two worship leaders However, provide roles for many Represent (appreciate) the participating traditions in the liturgical elements

Ecumenical Worship Some degree of discomfort is to be expected Hospitality Inclusive language Celebrate commonality e.g., Baptism, love for Jesus, shared Scriptures Music is important Rehearse

Ecumenical Worship United Methodists offer: Flexibility in worship Hymnody Open Table (note: see ¶4, page 24, Article IV of the UM Constitution)

Conclusion What do you remember?