 Reflections on Christian Unity
Fr. Michal Lewon
Originally posted on 1/17/2010
A few months ago, the Ecumenical group of pastors in which I participate decided to arrange for an exchange of pulpits during Ecumenical Sunday – January 24, 2010. Even though I am not a pastor, I have been involved in this group since I came to my parish one and a half years ago. We started to work on the preparations for that Sunday and I was very excited about this exchange. Previously, I have had opportunities to preach at a Methodist Church during a Good Friday Ecumenical Liturgy, and twice at a local Episcopal Church. All of those experiences were great as they helped me learn about other churches and provided me with a spiritual relationship with people other than my own parishioners.
After speaking with the pastor and then receiving his permission, I decided that our parish would have an exchange of pulpits with the Episcopal Church and with one of the other churches (Lutheran, Presbyterian or Methodist). The plan was that for two weeks the last Mass would be the one where other ministers would be welcomed to teach Catholics and give a witness to their faith and commitment to Christ. Looking into the guidelines of my Archdiocese, I learned the following:
- No other person than a Catholic is allowed to read during a Catholic Eucharist.
- No other person than an ordained Catholic minister is allowed to preach.
- Catholics cannot conduct Protestant services.
- Ecumenical Services are proper for any interaction between Catholics and non–Catholics.
When I read this, I was very disappointed. I decided to call the Chancery, and they gave me the same answers. However, they told me if I were to invite an Orthodox priest that an exchange of pulpits would be possible. They also informed me that, before the other churches started to experiment with the moral theology and the discipline of their churches, an exchange would have been possible. But, since our interpretation of the Scriptures is different and our Christian lifestyle is not always in agreement, no one except the one who promised to teach Catholic teachings is permitted to preach during a Roman Catholic Eucharist.
Just to clarify, what I mean by catholic theology is the theology that the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Churches, Eastern Orthodox Churches, Orthodox Churches and High Protestant Theology share. Furthermore, let me explain what I mean by the High Protestant Theology.
I will begin from a via negativa (what I do not mean) point of view– I do not mean the High Church regarding the liturgy. There are some High Anglicans or Lutheran Churches with a very liberal theology and interpretation of the Scripture. There are also Churches with a very low liturgy that hold a very high theology. A high theology is one that is faithful to the common Judeo – Christian roots of our faith. Faithful to the faith of the people in all the times: biblical, patristics, middle ages, modernity or even post modernity. It is the theology faithful to the faith which is shaped and expressed by all times and cultures, but not changed by a particular time or culture. My friend from the Episcopal church calls the particular cultural changes in theology as a theological experiment. However, I think that it is acceptable to have some different emphases and "flavors" in theology and still be faithful to the Apostolic faith.
So, I had to send an email to the other pastors and tell them that we would not be able to participate in the exchange of pulpits. I asked them if it would be acceptable if we were to have an Ecumenical Service at my parish during one of the evenings. One of the Lutheran pastors agreed to this idea and even told us that we would still be able to come and to preach at their service. The Presbyterian pastor told us that we (Catholics) should no longer be part of this exchange because it would change the whole purpose – exchange preaching and conducting the services. So, we decided that my pastor would go to the Episcopal Church to preach during their liturgy and we would have Solemn Eucharistic Exposition where the rector of the local Episcopal Church could preach.
What did I learn from this experience?
I learned:- To check the guidelines first before I commit my parish to do something that we perhaps cannot do.
- To always wait for the arguments as to why Catholics can and cannot do certain things.
- Not to be afraid to stand up for my Catholic identity.
- To never to stop looking for ways of being Ecumenical that are permitted by the Catholic Church.
- That it is always better to ask 101 questions than to assume something – to exchange pulpits does not mean to conduct the service.
However, other people might have a different understanding, and I have to respect that.
I love Ecumenism and I love being a catholic – I did not make a mistake when I wrote "catholic" with a small "c." I am happy that I am part of the faith that is shared by so many "catholics" - Roman Catholics, Eastern Catholics, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, and people of the High Protestant Theology. I like knowing that I am connected to the faith that has existed for over 2000 years.
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They don't have a logo, but they have the readings for the Liturgy of Hours and Mass online!
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