Pentecost focus on ecumenism

The ecumenical celebration, held every two years since 1994, is being co-sponsored by the Capital Region Ecumenical Organization and Renew 2000.

The day will include representatives from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany; Episcopal Diocese of Albany; Reformed Church in America; United Church of Christ; Evangelical Lutheran Church; and United Methodist Church, Troy Conference.

Joint effort

"This year, we wanted to make it very special because, in our Catholic tradition, Pentecost is the Jubilee day for interreligious involvement," he said. "In addition, this is the closing of the ecumenical season of Renew 2000."

Ecumenism was a major element during the most recent Renew 2000 semester. Invitations to participate were written to Protestant congregations, an ecumenical handbook was prepared and many other Christians joined Catholics for the faith-sharing groups.

"We'd love to see some of the relationships that were started with Renew be continued by going to this celebration," said Kathy Menard, Renew 2000 director.

Day's events

* A keynote address by Dr. James Sanders, a Presbyterian and scholar of Hebrew Scriptures, who will discuss the Jubilee year themes found in the Scriptures -- peace, justice and debt reduction -- and relate them to Jubilee Year 2000;

* Father Kane and Sister Anna Tantsits, IHM, associate director of the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, leading a workshop on Renew 2000;

* Workshops on debt forgiveness and reduction; penal reform; environmental spirituality; racism; and the state of ecumenism in the year 2000;

* Bishop Susan Morrison of the Albany Episcopal Area, United Methodist Church, presiding at the closing worship; and

* Bishop Howard J. Hubbard delivering the homily.

(Pentecost 2000 begins on June 11 with registration at 3 p.m., followed by opening prayer at 3:30, keynote at 3:45, workshops at 5, dinner at 6 and worship at 7. The First Lutheran Church of Albany was chosen as the site to honor its 350th anniversary. Registration is $10 per person. For more information, call 453-6660.)

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