Towards Unity: Ecumenical Dialogue 500 Years after the Reformation

Those who work in the field of Christian unity for any length of time are quick to point out that ecumenism is the work of the Holy Spirit. We say that not to sound pious but because we know firsthand two things: from our failed efforts, that we cannot bring about unity by ourselves no matter how hard we try; and from our successes, that something else is operative in this work of dialogue and reconciliation. God’s grace shapes our efforts in countless ways, experienced in a deep yearning for unity, in the insights which come forth from dialogue, in the moments of breakthrough when new understandings are reached, in the relationships and bonds of communion that are formed when we work with other Christians at the service of unity.

Ecumenism is a work of the Holy Spirit in the churches as they put themselves at the service of Jesus’ desire that his disciples be reconciled, and it is a work of the Spirit in people’s lives. This volume, which reflects on ecumenical achievements and hopes as we mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, is a celebration of the work of the Holy Spirit in the churches and ecclesial communities of the West as they have sought to address conflicts and heal divisions. It is also a celebration of the work of the Holy Spirit in the ecumenical ministry of Monsignor John Radano, and in a secondary but very real way, of each of the contributors to this volume. John Radano, generally known by his dialogue partners and colleagues as Jack, served as head of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity’s (PCPCU) Western section for nearly a quarter century, from 1984 to 2008. In this capacity, he participated in dialogues with Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist, Mennonite, Classical Pentecostal, and Evangelical traditions, and served as liaison with the World Council of Churches’ Commission on Faith and Order. Jack was also involved in relations with the Anglican Communion, the World Methodist Council, and the Global Christian Forum, so had a truly comprehensive involvement in relations with the Catholic Church’s dialogue and consultation partners in the West.
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Posted: Apr. 1, 2017 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9672
Categories: Resources • In this article: books, Christian unity, Donald Bolen, Donna Geernaert, Nicholas Jesson Transmis : 1 avril 2017 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9672
Catégorie : Resources • Dans cet article : books, Christian unity, Donald Bolen, Donna Geernaert, Nicholas Jesson

Walking the talk: Catholics, Anglicans work together as they seek unity

If Christians are called to live their faith concretely, then they cannot leave out concrete signs of the unity to which Jesus calls them.

And just because the formal Anglican-Roman Catholic theological dialogue has been forced to grapple with new church-dividing attitudes toward issues such as the ordination of women and the blessing of same-sex marriages, it does not mean that common prayer led by Anglican and Catholic leaders and concrete collaboration by Catholic and Anglican parishes are simply window dressing.

Dozens of Catholic and Anglican bishops and several hundred priests and laity from both communities gathered in Rome in early October to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vatican meeting of Blessed Paul VI and Anglican Archbishop Michael Ramsey of Canterbury, almost 50 years of formal theological dialogue through the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (known as ARCIC) and the 50th anniversary of the Anglican Center in Rome.

The celebrations, highlighted by an ecumenical evening prayer service Oct. 5 with Pope Francis and Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, coincided with a meeting of a newer body, the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission, known as IARCCUM.
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Posted: Oct. 6, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9542
Categories: CNS • In this article: Anglican, ARCIC, Catholic, David Moxon, Donald Bolen, IARCCUM, Justin Welby, Pope Francis Transmis : 6 oct. 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9542
Catégorie : CNS • Dans cet article : Anglican, ARCIC, Catholic, David Moxon, Donald Bolen, IARCCUM, Justin Welby, Pope Francis

Saskatoon’s Bishop Don Bolen appointed Archbishop of Regina

Pope Francis has named Bishop Donald Bolen of Saskatoon, Sask., as the new archbishop of Regina.

Archbishop Bolen’s appointment was announced July 11 at the Vatican. He succeeds Archbishop Daniel Bohan, who died in January.

Archbishop Bolen is known nationally and internationally for his work promoting Christian unity. From 2001 to 2008 he worked at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity at the Vatican, before returning to Regina in 2009. Since his return, he has served as a bishop member of the Christian unity council and as co-chair of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission. Since 2013 he has served as co-chair of the Joint International Commission for Dialogue between the World Methodist Council and the Roman Catholic Church.

Speaking of his new appointment, Archbishop Bolen, who was ordained a priest in Regina and served as archdiocesan vicar general and chair of the archdiocesan ecumenical commission, said: “To be moved from the Diocese of Saskatoon is painful, because it has been such a grace-filled experience to live and to serve here as bishop, but, at the same time, to move to the Archdiocese of Regina is to go home. I am profoundly grateful to remain in my home province.”
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Posted: July 11, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9355
Categories: CNS • In this article: Donald Bolen, Regina, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Transmis : 11 juil. 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9355
Catégorie : CNS • Dans cet article : Donald Bolen, Regina, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon

Roman Catholic bishop receives Anglican honour

The Anglican-run University College of Emmanuel and St. Chad has awarded an honorary fellowship to the seventh bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Donald Bolen. Bolen, 53, a well-respected ecumenist in Canada and internationally, received the honour May 9 in recognition of his work in building Anglican-Roman Catholic relations, according to a press statement. Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon Bishop David Irving, who is also the university’s chancellor, presented the award during the 13th Joint Convocation of the Saskatoon Theological Union, where Bolen was the convocation speaker. In a telephone interview, Bolen said it was “a great privilege and a great delight,” to have been bestowed the award. “It’s been a great joy to work with Anglicans to foster reconciliation,” said Bolen. There is a “deep bond of friendship and deep relations between Anglicans and Roman Catholics. We hold so much in common that it’s a lovely field of ecumenism to work in.”
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Posted: May 30, 2014 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7673
Categories: Anglican Journal • In this article: Anglican, Catholic, Donald Bolen, Saskatoon Transmis : 30 mai 2014 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7673
Catégorie : Anglican Journal • Dans cet article : Anglican, Catholic, Donald Bolen, Saskatoon

Saskatoon’s Bolen makes history preaching to Evangelicals

Preaching to Evangelicals at the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity didn’t phase Saskatoon Bishop Don Bolen — much.

“I’m always a bit nervous. I’m very mindful of my own shortcomings and inadequacies whenever I preach anywhere,” Bolen told The Catholic Register a few days after his Jan. 19 appearance at Saskatoon’s Circle Drive Alliance Church. “I did prepare more because they told me I had 30 minutes. Sweet, but it did require more preparation.”

Bolen preached on the story of the woman caught in adultery and Jesus’ ruling under the law that the one who has no sin should cast the first stone.

“He chose a beautiful text,” said Circle Drive Pastor Eldon Boldt. “Jesus showed grace and it was mercy upon mercy upon mercy. One girl wrote me (after the service) and said, ‘I don’t know why, but I found myself choking back tears as the bishop spoke.’ Well, that’s just the Holy Spirit.”

A Catholic bishop preaching in an Evangelical church is a rarity. As a member of the Evangelical-Roman Catholic International Consultation, Bolen hasn’t heard of other bishops preaching to Evangelicals. He plans to bring it up when the official international dialogue meets in March.
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Posted: Jan. 24, 2014 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7221
Categories: Evangelical-Roman Catholic Dialogue, The Catholic Register • In this article: Catholic, Donald Bolen, ecumenism, Evangelicals, WPCU Transmis : 24 janv. 2014 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7221
Catégorie : Evangelical-Roman Catholic Dialogue, The Catholic Register • Dans cet article : Catholic, Donald Bolen, ecumenism, Evangelicals, WPCU

One bishop’s guide to ecumenism

Bishop Don Bolen of Saskatoon is Canada’s most ecumenically minded bishop.

He worked seven years for the Pontifical Commission for Promoting Christian Unity in Rome where he co-ordinated Vatican participation in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and watched and encouraged official dialogues between the Catholic Church and Anglicans and Methodists. Though now leading one of Western Canada’s most important dioceses, he remains a member of the Vatican’s ecumenical commission, co-chairs the Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity and Mission, is a member of the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission, sits on the Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue of Canada and is a member of the Evangelical-Roman Catholic International Consultation.
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Posted: Jan. 24, 2014 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7223
Categories: The Catholic Register • In this article: bishops, Catholic, Christian unity, Donald Bolen, ecumenism, Saskatoon Transmis : 24 janv. 2014 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7223
Catégorie : The Catholic Register • Dans cet article : bishops, Catholic, Christian unity, Donald Bolen, ecumenism, Saskatoon

An historic visit: Bishop Donald Bolen preaches at Circle Drive Alliance Church

In what might very well be a historic first, on Sunday January 19 Roman Catholic Bishop Donald Bolen was the guest preacher at one of Saskatoon’s flagship Evangelical churches, Circle Drive Alliance Church. Pastor Eldon Boldt invited Bishop Bolen to preach some months ago and suggested January as a possible time. Boldt has been offering the congregation a series of sermons through January on the theme of Reconciliation so the bishop’s sermon on Christian unity was a natural fit. Nevertheless, the significance of the occasion was not lost on anyone, including the congregation of Holy Family Cathedral to whom Bolen had preached earlier in the morning. Before he left for Circle Drive Church, the Catholic congregation gave Bolen a rousing cheer amid their prayers for Christian unity and thanksgiving for their bishop’s ecumenical passion.

The invitation to Circle Drive Church did not come out of the blue. Pastor Boldt and Bishop Bolen have been friends for a number of years and have happily shared together in prayer and witness. They are both members of a joint consultation committee between the Catholic diocese and the Saskatoon Evangelical Ministers’ Fellowship (SEMF).
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Posted: Jan. 21, 2014 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7204
Categories: Evangelical-Roman Catholic Dialogue, News • In this article: Catholic, Donald Bolen, Evangelicals Transmis : 21 janv. 2014 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7204
Catégorie : Evangelical-Roman Catholic Dialogue, News • Dans cet article : Catholic, Donald Bolen, Evangelicals

Showcasing progress in Anglican-Catholic relations

Putting into practical action the recent progress made in ecumenical relations: that’s the aim of an international commission of Anglican and Catholic bishops, whose leaders held an annual meeting here in Rome this week.

Set up in 2001 to promote closer co-operation between bishops of the two denominations, the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission, or IARCCUM, is currently led by Canadian Catholic Bishop Don Bolen and Anglican bishop David Hamid.

Among the projects they’ve been developing is a new website and a way of showcasing practical actions by bishops working together in many different parts of the world. Philippa Hitchen sat down with them both to try and find out more about what’s been going on behind the scenes since last year’s meeting.

Listen here (Real) media01.radiovaticana.va/audio/ra/00401866.RM
Listen here (MP3) media01.radiovaticana.va/audiomp3/00401866.MP3
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Posted: Nov. 28, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6924
Categories: News • In this article: Anglican Communion, ARCIC, Catholic, Christian unity, David Hamid, dialogue, Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, Donald Bolen, ecumenism, IARCCUM, mission Transmis : 28 nov. 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6924
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Anglican Communion, ARCIC, Catholic, Christian unity, David Hamid, dialogue, Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, Donald Bolen, ecumenism, IARCCUM, mission

Donald Bolen appointed to Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI today appointed the Most Reverend Donald Bolen, Bishop of Saskatoon, as a member of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Before being named Bishop of Saskatoon in 2009, Bishop Bolen had served on the staff of the Pontifical Council from 2001 to 2008, with special responsibility for relations with the Anglican Communion and the World Methodist Council. In November, 2008, he was awarded the Cross of Saint Augustine by the Archbishop of Canterbury for his contributions to relations between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.

Editor’s note: appointment as a member of the PCPCU means that Bishop Bolen will share with other bishops in guiding the work of the Pontifical Council. He remains bishop of Saskatoon. We have not lost him yet.
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Posted: June 12, 2012 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=2191
Categories: News • In this article: Catholic, Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, Donald Bolen Transmis : 12 juin 2012 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=2191
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Catholic, Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, Donald Bolen

Catholic pastoral letter on Truth & Reconciliation

Pastoral Letter of the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

From June 21st to 24th, Saskatoon will host one of the seven national gatherings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). We are writing to invite you to give serious attention to this gathering and its aims.

As many of you are aware, the Government of Canada organized ‘Indian Residential Schools’, most run by Christian churches, from the 1840s onward, with the last school closing in 1996. Not everything that happened at residential schools was negative, and many people worked there with good will and generosity. However, the schools were a part of a policy of deliberate cultural assimilation of Aboriginal peoples, and over the decades, much abuse took place at these schools. As the Catholic Church in Saskatchewan, we were involved in the residential schools and we recognize a moral responsibility and obligation to be involved in healing and reconciliation efforts.
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Posted: June 7, 2012 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=2214
Categories: News • In this article: abuse, bishops, Catholic, Donald Bolen, Indigenous peoples, Residential Schools, Saskatchewan, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Transmis : 7 juin 2012 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=2214
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : abuse, bishops, Catholic, Donald Bolen, Indigenous peoples, Residential Schools, Saskatchewan, Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Spiritual shepherd plans to promote reconciliation

Bishop-elect Donald Bolen’s mission; Spiritual shepherd plans to promote reconciliation Monsignor Donald Bolen plans to be a shepherd to the faithful. However, the bishop-elect of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon also sees his ecumenical mission as bringing about reconciliation among all Christians. As bishop, he hopes to lead the Catholic faithful to deeper discipleship
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Posted: Mar. 20, 2010 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6120
Categories: News • In this article: bishops, Catholic, Donald Bolen, Saskatoon Transmis : 20 mars 2010 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6120
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : bishops, Catholic, Donald Bolen, Saskatoon

New Catholic bishop appointed for Saskatoon: Donald Bolen

Glad tidings for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon arrived a few days before Christmas with the appointment of Msgr. Donald Bolen of Regina as seventh bishop of the diocese.

Pope Benedict XVI’s appointment of Bolen as bishop was announced Dec. 21 in Rome. The diocese of Saskatoon has been without a bishop since September, when former bishop Albert LeGatt was inaugurated as Archbishop of St. Boniface, Manitoba.

Bolen, 48, is presently serving as vicar-general of the Archdiocese of Regina, and pastor of St. Joseph parish, Balgonie; St. Agnes at Pilot Butte; and St. Peter’s Colony, Kronau.

… continued
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Posted: Dec. 21, 2009 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=623
Categories: News • In this article: bishops, Canada, Catholic, Donald Bolen, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Transmis : 21 déc. 2009 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=623
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : bishops, Canada, Catholic, Donald Bolen, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon

Archbishop of Canterbury honours Canadian Catholic ecumenist

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has awarded the Cross of St Augustine to Monsignor Donald Bolen for his service to Anglican-Roman Catholic relations. In a private audience at Lambeth Palace the Archbishop paid warm tribute to the theological acumen and spiritual discernment that Monsignor Bolen had put unreservedly at the service of Anglican-Roman Catholic relations during his seven-year assignment to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in Rome.

… continued
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Posted: Feb. 3, 2009 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=549
Categories: News • In this article: Anglican, Catholic, Donald Bolen, Rowan Williams Transmis : 3 févr. 2009 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=549
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Anglican, Catholic, Donald Bolen, Rowan Williams