What Ecumenism Means to Me

Despite those handicaps, I accepted the invitation. After all, I had an aunt, uncle and cousins who were Lutheran. In addition, I could not turn down an invitation from the Bishop.

That commission celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year and, almost 30 years later, this now no-longer-young attorney, still on the commission, was asked to reflect on, "What Ecumenism means to me.”

“Ecumenism", by dictionary definition, refers to the idea of a unified Church. In its broadest sense this definition may refer to worldwide religious unity. The practical definition is, paradoxically, complex and simple.

Ecumenism lives on different levels. There is, of course, the theological level, where scholars study the areas in which mutual agreement may be reached. These are profound and, quite honestly, often beyond the full understanding of many of us.

However there is another level on which ecumenism lives, a level incredibly vibrant and inspiring: the personal level. I have seen this exemplified in the lives of those with whom I have worked on the commission and their examples define ecumenism to me.

It is the steady, charitable and sensitive leadership of our Bishop, Howard Hubbard, the first chair of the commission, who sets the tone for our work and who is beloved in the varied religious traditions that are present in our Diocese.

It is the ever present Fr. Jim Kane, director of the commission, who navigates the oceans of ecumenism with bottomless knowledge that has gained him the respect of those who see his efforts.

It is the lifelong work of women like Audrey Hughes and the late Joan Dunham who have forged relationships with those of other faiths based on their respect, sensitivity and ability to tackle tough issues honestly, knowledgably and respectfully.

It is the ability of the late Rev. Tom Phelan to gain the trust and respect of the Orthodox and establish a dialogue with them that continues today due to the efforts of Rev. Rich Carlino.

It is the energy of Joan Holman who seems to attend every ecumenical event in Troy, evidencing the interest of Catholics in what is occurring in other faith traditions.

It is Anne Snyder working with the Interfaith Story Circle, a group of people from different traditions, telling stories that bridge differences and create bonds.

It is the leadership of Bill Toomey, during whose years as chair of the commission, the historic Palm Sunday service of reconciliation was planned and held.

These are only a few of the many people of the Commission who have helped define ecumenism to me. Space does not allow me to include all. What I have learned is that ecumenism is something in which each of us can and must be involved.

Whether in our homes, our parishes, our neighborhoods, or our places of work, opportunities abound for us to work towards unity. As in all human relations, honesty tempered by sensitivity is required.  “Rooted in Faith,” the Commission’s primer on ecumenical and interreligious prayer and service, is a wonderful resource and available through the Commission’s page on the Diocesan web site.

As we celebrate 40 years of the Commission’s work, let us each commit to making ecumenism an integral part of our lives.

(Frank M. Pell is an attorney in Loudonville and a member of Our Lady of Mercy parish in Colonie. [[In-content Ad]]