Ecumenism in the Diocese of Lancaster

Ecumenism and the Diocese of Lancaster

“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.”                  — Unitatis Redintegratio – Vatican II

“Thus it is absolutely clear that ecumenism, the movement promoting Christian Unity, is not just some sort of apendix which is added to the Church’s traditional activity. Rather, ecumenism is an organic part of her life and work, and consequently must pervade all that she is and does; it must be like the fruit borne by a healthy and flourishing tree which grows to its full stature.”                    — Ut Unum Sint – Pope John Paul II

Ecumenism (the work and prayer for Christian Unity) in our Diocese is an integral part of our Diocesan mission and expresses itself through the regular meetings and initiatives of the Bishop with other Church leaders, the “fraternal” gatherings attended by local parish clergy, the prayer events and activities of Churches Together groups, and at times, the more formal “Local Ecumenical Partnerships” in which, for example, churches are shared by two or more traditions.

This movement, the way of the Church, encourages us all, individually and collectively, to greater practical co-operation, common witness, dialogue and prayer with our fellow Christians.

Lancaster Diocesan Ecumenical Officers:

The Rev Peter Burns (Lancashire), Sacred Heart, Heys Street, THORNTON-LE-FYLDE, Lancs, FY5 4HL, Tel: 01253 821637

Father Jerome Ainsworth (Cumbria) 7Arthur Terrace, PENRITH, Cumbria,CA11 7QS Tel: 07501 171713

County Ecumenical Officers:

(Churches Together in Cumbria):  vacant

(Churches Together in Lancashire): 

Useful Church Documents:

Second Vatican Council:
Dogmatic Constitution on the Church – Lumen gentium

Second Vatican Council:
Decree on Ecumenism – Unitatis redintegratio

Pope John Paul II:
Encyclical Letter on Commitment to Ecumenism – Ut unum sint

The Ecumenical Directory
(Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism)

Shortened Version prepared by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales:
The Search for Christian Unity

Other Useful Ecumenical Web Links

 

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