Report from Sibiu
Jim Bryden
The general 'ecumenical balance' of the Assembly
If Graz was Catholic-driven and Basel Protestant, then Sibiu was Orthodox. As hosts, our Orthodox family led the way and provided hospitality as they thought it appropriate. Unlike the parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-23) where the host made room for all at the table, this table was largely occupied by the hosts. Even had the table been circular instead of rectangular that would have helped parity and participation of the invitees. To continue the metaphor, the meal and dinner speeches were carefully managed to the point where the other two big players (Protestants and Catholics) were at the bottom end of the table. As for the evangelicals, they were faint figures in the outer circle. Clearly the 'balance' was not in place.
The Plenary Sessions: Message
Many of the talks were refreshing, though you did need to be a disciplined listener, well motivated to hear, to learn, to be inspired. However, some like Cardinal Kasper with his engaging personality captured the imagination with some inspiring rhetoric and 'get your teeth into' stuff. His reference to differences between Protestants and Catholics coming out of the Vatican Congregation on the Doctrine of the Faith touched a raw nerve. While not comfortable, he was at least honest. Acknowledging this he said, 'I was not unaffected by it either. I too had problems with it. For the hurt and pain of my friends is my hurt and pain as well.' It is this position and attitude that needs to pervade all who are serious about ecumenism where one is ready to take the divisive and controversial issues to the heart of one's respective tradition in the pursuit of oneness in Christ.
Place of women
It's a sad fact of ecclesial life and ministry amongst the major denominations that men dominate positions of authority. Whatever happened to equality in Christ! The fact is that once more we witnessed the lesser, mostly absent role of women in the plenary sessions. Change is coming but it's slow. One day I suspect the church (Protestants, followed by Catholics: Orthodox probably too tied into its past to change) will look back and wonder why and how its forebears could justify placing women in the shadows.
Place of young people
As for the young people, they should have featured prominently. Their prepared document on unity, migration, creation, and spirituality etc arising out of strong convictions should have been featured more than it was. The opportunity to hear them was missed. Instead a passing glance was given. Why don't the church leaders better learn the lesson to touch base with the culture of the young, the church of tomorrow? Where is that spirit of 'in honour, preferring one another'? After all, Jesus' disciples were all young, yet he entrusted them with the greatest mission the world has ever seen.
The Forums
I found these to be quite interesting. After panellists delivered their subject there was some time given over to questions. Again, more time could have been given to buzz groups and feed-back. It would be good to see change eventually come that frees-up more interaction and debate than currently operates it seems at this part of Europe.
The Hearings
Those I attended were stimulating. This setting of small groups connected and focused on relevant and challenging questions, where each feels valued and has opportunity for creative input, made these exercises probably the most productive. However, unless the progressive ideas are 'heard' and heeded, one can't get away from the notion that they're nothing more than a pleasant if unproductive workshop.
The Agora
I'm taking this to mean the street and open air encounters and activities. There was a pleasant relaxed atmosphere in the city. The police were helpful. The general public were curious and going about their business. The delegates and observers when meeting with them or passing them in the street I found to be affable.
The practical arrangements
The journey to Sibiu was bound to be arduous given the distance from the airport. I found the coach surprisingly comfortable and passengers pleasant. The journey time of some 7 hours was unexpectedly long and with only one comfort stop we had to make the most of the little that was on offer. Not complaining. The return journey was much quicker with daylight all the way and a beautiful new coach. Accommodation was excellent while catering varied between superb and bearable.
Jim Bryden is the Salvation Army's Territorial Ecumenical Officer, United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
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The general 'ecumenical balance' of the Assembly If Graz was Catholic-driven and Basel Protestant, then Sibiu was Orthodox. As hosts, our Orthodox family led the way and provided hospitality as they thought it appropriate. Unlike the parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-23) where the host made room for all at the table, this table was largely occupied by the hosts. Even had the table been circular instead of rectangular that would have helped parity and participation of the invitees. To continue the metaphor, the meal and dinner speeches were carefully managed to the point where the other two big players (Protestants and Catholics) were at the bottom end of the table. As for the evangelicals, they were faint figures in the outer circle. Clearly the 'balance' was not in place.
The Plenary Sessions: Message Many of the talks were refreshing, though you did need to be a disciplined listener, well motivated to hear, to learn, to be inspired. However, some like Cardinal Kasper with his engaging personality captured the imagination with some inspiring rhetoric and 'get your teeth into' stuff. His reference to differences between Protestants and Catholics coming out of the Vatican Congregation on the Doctrine of the Faith touched a raw nerve. While not comfortable, he was at least honest. Acknowledging this he said, 'I was not unaffected by it either. I too had problems with it. For the hurt and pain of my friends is my hurt and pain as well.' It is this position and attitude that needs to pervade all who are serious about ecumenism where one is ready to take the divisive and controversial issues to the heart of one's respective tradition in the pursuit of oneness in Christ.
Place of women
It's a sad fact of ecclesial life and ministry amongst the major denominations that men dominate positions of authority. Whatever happened to equality in Christ! The fact is that once more we witnessed the lesser, mostly absent role of women in the plenary sessions. Change is coming but it's slow. One day I suspect the church (Protestants, followed by Catholics: Orthodox probably too tied into its past to change) will look back and wonder why and how its forebears could justify placing women in the shadows.
Place of young people As for the young people, they should have featured prominently. Their prepared document on unity, migration, creation, and spirituality etc arising out of strong convictions should have been featured more than it was. The opportunity to hear them was missed. Instead a passing glance was given. Why don't the church leaders better learn the lesson to touch base with the culture of the young, the church of tomorrow? Where is that spirit of 'in honour, preferring one another'? After all, Jesus' disciples were all young, yet he entrusted them with the greatest mission the world has ever seen.
The Forums I found these to be quite interesting. After panellists delivered their subject there was some time given over to questions. Again, more time could have been given to buzz groups and feed-back. It would be good to see change eventually come that frees-up more interaction and debate than currently operates it seems at this part of Europe.
The Hearings Those I attended were stimulating. This setting of small groups connected and focused on relevant and challenging questions, where each feels valued and has opportunity for creative input, made these exercises probably the most productive. However, unless the progressive ideas are 'heard' and heeded, one can't get away from the notion that they're nothing more than a pleasant if unproductive workshop.
The Agora I'm taking this to mean the street and open air encounters and activities. There was a pleasant relaxed atmosphere in the city. The police were helpful. The general public were curious and going about their business. The delegates and observers when meeting with them or passing them in the street I found to be affable.
The practical arrangements The journey to Sibiu was bound to be arduous given the distance from the airport. I found the coach surprisingly comfortable and passengers pleasant. The journey time of some 7 hours was unexpectedly long and with only one comfort stop we had to make the most of the little that was on offer. Not complaining. The return journey was much quicker with daylight all the way and a beautiful new coach. Accommodation was excellent while catering varied between superb and bearable.
Jim Bryden is the Salvation Army's Territorial Ecumenical Officer, United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. |
