Interchurch Relations

What’s New?

• Mennonite leaders send blessings to Pope Francis on the occasion of his installation

• Mennonites and Catholics Gather through Bridgefolk – Roughly forty people, Mennonites and Catholics, gathered for three days of fellowship, study and worship in July, hosted by the sisters of St. Benedict Monastery in Minnesota.  The group explored the formative practice of studying and praying with scripture in the two traditions.  The group also engaged in ongoing discernment around Eucharist.  As is the pattern at each gathering, the group participated in an agape meal, which included footwashing.  The group also celebrated a “Double Eucharist.”  A presider from each tradition gave a homily and then led in the ritual.  Each group prayerfully observed but did not partake in the other’s ritual.  The group spent several hours reflecting and sharing together about this experience.  To learn more about the Bridgefolk movement visit www.bridgefolk.net.
• On April 10, 2012, Lutherans and Mennonites gathered in Elkhart, Indiana for a day of celebration and thanksgiving for ten years of relationship and dialogue.  Participants in the international and national dialogues, national staff, bishops, area conference ministers, pastors and lay leaders all participated.  The day included prayer and worship, lectures and conversation, a tree dedication, a meal and times of fellowship. [See "Events mark reconciliation among Lutherans and Mennonites" from our April 18 news service.)
• Baptists Explore Anabaptist Themes--At Southern Baptist seminary, evangelical leader Rick Warren highlighted Anabaptist commitments as an inspiration.  Read this Mennonite Weekly Review article.
• Engage Widening the Circle: Experiments in Christian Discipleship with a free study guide! The study guide is useful for intentional communities, small groups and Sunday school classes.