News in Ecumenism

The Strange Death of Protestant Britain

The Strange Death of Protestant Britain

by: Ian Bradley - The Tablet in Ecumenism,

There are almost certainly more Catholics than Anglicans in England, and more Catholics than Presbyterians in Scotland, attending church on a Sunday morning. Protestantism has become an anachronistic if not a dirty word. Archbishop Justin Welby, a figure on the Evangelical wing of the Church of England, has said that he would prefer not to describe himself as a “Protestant”.

Christmas in the Koran — how Maryam gave birth to Jesus under a date palm

Christmas in the Koran — how Maryam gave birth to Jesus under a date palm

by: Sameer Rahim - The Telegraph in Ecumenism,

The Koran says that Mary, a young virgin, is told by God she will produce a “pure son.” When the birth pangs come she retires to a palm tree. Suffering alone (Joseph is not mentioned), God tells her to shake the tree, from which fresh dates fall. Again there is a parallel: in the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew, when the holy family stops off on the way to Egypt.

Russian Orthodox bishop visits apostolic nuncio in Tokyo

Russian Orthodox bishop visits apostolic nuncio in Tokyo

by: ucanews.com reporter, Tokyo in Ecumenism,
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk visited the Apostolic Nunciature Nov. 8 where he talked with nuncio Archbishop Joseph Chennoth. Metropolitan Hilarion was accompanied by two Orthodox clerics, officials from the metropolitan's office and the Russian embassy.
Buddhists, Christians must reclaim values that lead to peace, pope says

Buddhists, Christians must reclaim values that lead to peace, pope says

by: Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service in Ecumenism,

Christians and Buddhists are called by faith to overcome evil with goodness and violence with peace, Pope Francis said during a meeting with leaders of Myanmar's Buddhist community. Pope Francis met Nov. 29 with members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, a government-appointed group of senior Buddhist monks who oversee some 500,000 monks and novices in Myanmar, where close to 90 percent of the population follows Buddhism.

Pope's talk with hardline monk shades interfaith meeting

Pope's talk with hardline monk shades interfaith meeting

by: Michael Sainsbury and John Zaw - UCA News in Ecumenism,

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said the pope stressed "unity in diversity" in his private meeting with Myanmar's Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders which was a late addition to his official schedule. In the inter-faith meeting at the archbishop's residence in Yangon, Pope Francis told religious leaders to work together to rebuild the country and that if they argue, they should argue like brothers, who reconcile afterwards.

Archbishop of Canterbury to lunch with Pope Francis today.

Archbishop of Canterbury to lunch with Pope Francis today.

by: Christopher Lamb-The Tablet in Ecumenism,

The Archbishop of Canterbury will meet and have lunch with Pope Francis today, in what will be the pair’s fourth meeting together in in the Vatican. Archbishop Justin Welby travelled to Rome to formally commission his new Personal Representative to the Holy See and Director of the Anglican Centre, Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi, which took place during evensong last night. 

Critical time in history for Muslims and Christians in India

Critical time in history for Muslims and Christians in India

by: M.P. Raju, New Delhi - UCANews in Ecumenism,

India, as a nation, goes through a critical time in history when its religious minorities are badly needed by its majority community — the Hindus. The major religious minorities — Muslims and Christians — have a vital role to play in helping guard against excessive religious and cultural nationalism.

 A revival in pilgrimage is bringing the prospect of environmental and ecumenical opportunities to Canterbury and beyond

A revival in pilgrimage is bringing the prospect of environmental and ecumenical opportunities to Canterbury and beyond

by: Jennifer Ross - The Tablet in Ecumenism,

Indeed the Rt Revd Trevor Willmott, the Anglican Bishop of Dover has said that, ‘Pilgrimage is not just about getting from A to B, but about the invitation to accept encounters; encounters with oneself, with others, with God and with the environment.’ This openness to encounter others is particularly represented in an ecumenical collaboration between the Church of England’s Diocese of Canterbury and the Catholic Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate. 

How a murdered French priest has united Catholics and Muslims

How a murdered French priest has united Catholics and Muslims

by: La Croix International - Julien Duriez (in Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray) in Ecumenism,

The Catholic community of this small Normandy town has been indelibly marked by the assassination. But, perhaps paradoxically, it has also brought Christians and Muslims together. “The terrorists wanted to divide us, but they haven’t succeeded, it has had the opposite effect. There are also positive consequences," said Abdelkader, a 42-year-old Muslim.

Queen’s former chaplain leads vicar rebellion over gay marriage

Queen’s former chaplain leads vicar rebellion over gay marriage

by: Camilla Turner - The Telegraph in Ecumenism,
The Rev Dr Gavin Ashenden, who until earlier this year was one of the special chaplains to the Queen, has warned of the prospect of a “declaration of independence” from vicars who feel that those with traditional views are being “marginalised” by the Church establishment.
Unsettled Melkite Church prepares to elect new patriarch

Unsettled Melkite Church prepares to elect new patriarch

by: Marie Malzac - The Tablet in Ecumenism,

The Synod of the Greek Catholic Melkite Church is meeting this week to elect a successor to Patriarch Gregory III Laham and put an end to a period of division. A year ago, a grave crisis shook the Greek Catholic Melkite Church, one of the largest Eastern Catholic churches. The Church has been in communion with Rome since the 18th century. 

UAE Names Abu Dhabi Mosque After Mary, Mother of Jesus

UAE Names Abu Dhabi Mosque After Mary, Mother of Jesus

by: Jack Moore - Newsweek15 June 2017 in Ecumenism,

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and deputy commander of the Emirati military, said he ordered the change in a bid to build bridges with other religions. The name change to  to “Mariam, Umm Eisa,” Arabic for “Mary, the mother of Jesus,” on Wednesday, would “consolidate bonds of humanity between followers of different religions,” he said, according to Gulf News.

Church of England Synod backs further reconciliation with Catholics

Church of England Synod backs further reconciliation with Catholics

by: Rose Gamble - The Tablet in Ecumenism,

Members of the Church of England’s General Synod, meeting in London this week, have backed a motion supporting further reconciliation between Catholic and reformed churches as Christians around the world commemorate the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation.

Pope’s historic visit to “All Saints” Anglican Church in Rome

Pope’s historic visit to “All Saints” Anglican Church in Rome

by: News.va in Ecumenism,

 February 26th. This afternoon Pope Francis became the first pontiff in history to visit the Anglican Church of All Saints in Rome, his diocese. During the encounter, the Holy Father joined Anglican faithful in celebrating vespers in a ceremony during which he also blessed an image of Christ the Saviour.