How Are We “Called Together?”
A Mennonite/Catholic Theological Colloquium
July 20-21, 2005
on the campus of Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, VA
In 2004, theological exchange between Mennonites and Roman Catholics marked a historic milestone as delegations to the first international dialogue between representatives of Mennonite World Conference and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Church Unity released a final report summarizing their five years of conversation. “Called Together to be Peacemakers” (available at http://bridgefolk.net/theology) offers a common narrative of watershed events in church history especially during the 16th and 4th centuries. It explores theological perspectives that the two traditions both share and dispute concerning the nature of the Church, sacraments and ordinances, and peacemaking. It closes with mutual confessions of repentance for past violence and recrimination, thus inviting a “healing of memories.”
As it holds its fourth annual conference, Bridgefolk – a grassroots movement for dialogue and unity between Mennonites and Roman Catholics – invites theologians, historians and ecumenists from the two traditions to gather on the previous evening and day to reflect on what they have learned from this historic document and to explore next steps for promoting theological dialogue between Mennonites and Roman Catholics. Scholars from other churches who regularly find themselves in conversation with both traditions are also invited to attend, along with all participants in the Bridgefolk conference to follow.
The colloquium will begin on the evening of July 20 with a keynote address by John A. Lapp, church historian and former Executive Secretary of Mennonite Central Committee on “Ecumenical Dialogue as a Ministry of Reconciliation.” On July 21, the colloquium will hear theological reflections on “Called Together to Be Peacemakers” from both Mennonite and Roman Catholic ecumenists. Participants will have ample opportunity for their own responses and discussion. The meeting will conclude by exploring ways to follow through on the document’s suggestions for further study.