BuildingBridges

[61.1] A BAPTIST RESPONSE TO CATHOLICS ON EVANGELISM

The Revd Terry Tennens, a Baptist minister, coordinates the work of Building Bridges of Hope in Britain and Ireland. Here he reflects on the highlights and issues emerging from the recent Catholic consultation on evangelisation, organised jointly with BBH. He writes in a personal capacity, rather than as an employee of CTBI:

As in other Church traditions, there are those adherents who see Sunday worship as a coin slot machine, ‘pay your dues’ so you don’t have to think about it for the rest of the week – ‘faith absenteeism’ Monday to Saturday. This seems to be prevalent in the Catholic Church too, although now people choose to belong.

The presentations from the Episcopal areas were stimulating:

* Paddy Monaghan from Archdiocese of Dublin giving his personal story -- the faith journey, together with collaboration in ‘power to change’ evangelisation shared by Catholics and Protestants in Ireland. He also offered a challenge about ‘over sacramentalisation’ and spelt out his preference for relational networks.

* Andrew Brookes' analysis of church-going statistics in Scotland, the decline by 19% over the last decade and lack of ordinands, highlighting the challenge ahead.

* Keith Barltrop’s picture of the landscape of the Catholic church in England and Wales and how CASE will resource and accompany the parishes.

Three other presentations stood out:

* Bobby Siddhu sharing her struggle and learning of presence and witness in Soho Square was refreshing

* Veronica Murphy and Nicky Stevens describing the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) showed the joined-up thinking of the process and connecting points of discipleship. That’s crucial for all Church traditions.

* A parish priest with a twinkle in his eye sharing the story of Base Ecclesial Communities in his ministry resonated with the cell church movement in the Protestant churches.

Questions I am left with?

* Good to meet: I was heartily encouraged that delegates felt encouraged! Which then suggested how much of a spiritual desert is it for them among their churches? Surely, there are wells of nourishment and empowerment for the journey? Speaking with one delegate, she described how high the walls are in the Catholic Church that protect us, but also prohibit us ‘going out’

* Signs of the Spirit: To be among a group of followers of Christ enthused and discerning to hear to call of God into evangelisation was edifying. To hear of the imaginative ways the new religious communities are engaging in faith sharing was instructive; for example, on the theme of ‘church as threshold and household’, listening to someone praying about a partnership with estate agents, since when people move they are most open to exploring new things... Wow!

* Bridges to build: Sharing in Christian worship is always a matter of the heart. It was renewing, releasing and empowering to be at prayer together but saddening to see the inability to commune around the Lord’s Table. Yet, I was heartened by a gracious brother who embraced me during the Mass, with equal sadness that from his perspective.

* What next - The Accompanied Journey: Gosh! So many wonderful believers, sisters and brothers I encountered, what a joy and privilege to be a part of this gathering.
The evidence of having the skilful outsider, Simon Barrow, a member of the Church of England, reflect, question, affirm, and highlight what God is upto in the Catholic tradition – evangelisation is the priority of our times states Pope John Paul II.

* Amen! The rediscovery of the Emmaus road, the value of the one who journeys alongside as we learn to share faith with confidence, respect, integrity and faithfulness in 21st century Britain and Ireland.

Can we find accompaniers at a parish level to aid us into evangelisation?

Comment on this post: BuildingBridges [Nb. Content is not necessarily the view of CTBI/CCOM]