Questions that Test Our Ecumenical Credentials.

Well, the things you get up to on a Monday afternoon. Down here to discuss a paper on "Who can preside at the Eucharist in a time of vocational decline." Of course the subject is specific to certain Christian traditions on the one hand, and on the other hand there are traditions in which the question barely arises - it depends on the sacramental theology and theology of priesthood / ministry that lies at the heart of any particular tradition.

But it fairly got us going - from the earliest post-resurrection communities, to the age of the Fathers, then Augustine, the Medieval church, the European Reformations in their diversity of Eucharistic theologies, and on into our own century.

Institutional ecclesial decline compels new ways of staying faithful to theological and liturgical traditions while also embracing wise pragmatism, changed rules, revised theology, liturgical relaxations and much else.

As a Baptist minister I have a different set of commitments when the community meets around the Lord's Table. These are no less rich, and no less valid, are held with the same deep devotion, and argued on theological and biblical principles held with equal conviction.

It was a test of our ecumenical sympathies, and also at times, a revelation of our significant ignorance of the varied sacramental theologies held across the traditions of Christian Faith. At other times, some humble learning, and generous agreements to differ, meant we could discuss safely and responsively. A good couple of hours.

Photo taken on the walk back to the car - parked a mile away.

Comments

[ANG ALMOND]

I am always saddened when I meet dear, faithful Christians who live in small Norfolk villages who say "but sadly we cannot share the Eucharist very often because there's no priest here" So grateful for my Baptist heritage!