Author: gws

Bridgefolk’s Gerald Schlabach in Commonweal magazine

Bridgefolk Executive Director Gerald Schlabach has just had an article published in Commonweal magazine, entitled “You Converted to What? One Mennonite’s Journey.” In it he offers nine “non-Roman” reasons why he became Roman Catholic, even while remaining Mennonite in many ways. Commonweal has granted Schlabach permission to post the article on his web site. You will find it at http://personal.stthomas.edu/gwschlabach/rc/.

Here are three excerpts: Continue reading “Bridgefolk’s Gerald Schlabach in Commonweal magazine” →

Toronto dialogue group releases report

New on our website is the report of a dialogue group at the Toronto School of Theology. Ten graduate students in theology, half of whom are Roman Catholic and half Mennonite, met together regularly for two years to analyze and discuss Called Together to be Peacemakers, the final report from the international dialogue between Mennonites and Roman Catholics, 1998-2003. Their final report is entitled “Responding to the Call: Reflections on Called Together to be Peacemakers.” It gives particular attention to five themes — authority and the reception of teaching in each tradition, religious liberty, baptism, Eucharist, and peace. The report is available at http://www.bridgefolk.net/theology/dialogue.

Bluffton University Professor Lectures on “Why Mennonites Should Read Catholic Literature”

Bridgefolk conversations and events have focused most often on spirituality, liturgy, peacemaking and theology. But in recent decades many Mennonites have also found themselves drawn to the art and literature of the Catholic tradition. In an annual peace lectureship sponsored by Goshen College and Bluffton University, Bluffton professor Lamar Nisly addressed the topic of “Why Mennonites Should Read Catholic Literature.” Continue reading “Bluffton University Professor Lectures on “Why Mennonites Should Read Catholic Literature”” →

Mennonite Central Committee leads ecumenical delegation to Iran

An ecumenical delegation organized by Mennonite Central Committee — the arm of Mennonite churches in North America for relief, development and peacemaking — has just returned from Iran. Among the delegation was David Robinson, executive director of the Catholic peace organization Pax Christi USA. Continue reading “Mennonite Central Committee leads ecumenical delegation to Iran” →

Benedict XVI calls for a “Christian revolution”

Invites Faithful to Respond to Evil With Good

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 18, 2007  (Zenit.org).- The “Christian revolution” of love is able to uproot evil and sow goodness in the world, says Benedict XVI.

The Pope made that statement today when addressing the thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square who defied the inclement weather to attend the recitation of the Angelus. In his address, the Holy Father reflected on Jesus’ mandate: “Love your enemies,” read in this Sunday’s liturgy.

“Christ’s proposal is realistic, because it takes into account that in the world there is too much violence, too much injustice, and that this situation cannot be overcome without positing more love, more kindness,” Benedict XVI said. “This ‘more’ comes from God.” Continue reading “Benedict XVI calls for a “Christian revolution”” →

Still more local dialogues in Winnipeg!

In our Bridgefolk Brief last week we provided updates on a number of local dialogues between Mennonites and Roman Catholics that have come to our attention. One of these relayed information from a Canadian magazine concerning a congregation-to-parish dialogue in Winnipeg. As it turns out, this is only the beginning. Dr. Helmut Harder responded with additional information on what’s happening with Catholic-Mennonite dialogue in Winnipeg: Continue reading “Still more local dialogues in Winnipeg!” →

New energy and initiatives emerge from Bridgefolk Board meeting

Bridgefolk leaders found renewed energy as they met December 15-17 at Saint John’s Abbey in Minnesota. The Bridgefolk board of directors chose a theme for next summer’s conference, initiated a process for revamping communication efforts, and took decisive first steps toward putting the ongoing work of Bridgefolk on a sustainable footing. Adding to the meeting’s energy are three new members, Mary Schertz and Darrin Snyder Belousek of Indiana, and Ron Pagnucco of Minnesota. Continue reading “New energy and initiatives emerge from Bridgefolk Board meeting” →

Articles on 2006 Bridgefolk conference

Recent articles on the July gathering of Bridgefolk may be found in two Mennonite publications. In The Mennonite Weekly Review Robert Rhodes offers a summary of the annual gathering, which focused this year on peacemaking and on Mennonite and Roman Catholic communion traditions. [Article no longer available online.]

In The Mennonite, Gordon Houser also reports on the way the gathering focused around understanding the table fellowship of each denomination and on ways that members of Bridgefolk might continue to move together making peace around the table.  Click here to read.