NEWS RELEASE: Mennonite World Conference, April 13, 2005
MWC officials offer condolences to Catholic colleagues
Strasbourg, France — Mennonite World Conference officials, President Nancy R. Heisey and Executive Secretary Larry Miller, have sent a letter of condolence on the death of Pope John Paul II to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
Over more than five years, Mennonite World Conference and the Pontifical Council have joined in an International Dialogue. The letter was addressed specifically to the leaders of the Council: Cardinal Walter Kasper, President; Bishop Brian Farrell, Secretary; and Monsignor John Radano, Head of the Western Section.
The letter of condolence, sent April 5th, reads:
“Dear Brothers in Christ,
On behalf of the Mennonite World Conference, we extend heartfelt sympathy to you and, through you, to the Catholic Church as we join in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II.
At the same time, we give thanks to God for the gift this man has been in so many ways for the peoples and churches of the world. We are grateful in particular for his service on behalf of reconciliation. We believe that the International Dialogue of the Catholic Church and the Mennonite World Conference, with its joint recognition that we are “Called Together to be Peacemakers,” stands as a tribute to John Paul II’s exemplary spirit of repentance and his deep desire to heal divisive memories.
Please be assured of our love and prayers for each of you and for your church in these days of momentous transition. We will pray especially for you and your colleagues, Cardinal Kasper, as you enter the Conclave in several days. May God grant you extraordinary wisdom and discernment as you choose a new leader called to be a servant of God and of unity in the Body of Christ.”
Along with leaders of other Christian world communions, Miller attended the funeral of John Paul II, April 9, as a fraternal guest.