Obama, Clergy and Religious Leadership

So Senator Obama felt compelled to resign his membership from his church. I understand that decision. Rev. Wright did say a number of outrageous things, especially the Reverend’s more recent comments. It would also be difficult to ignore the showboating by Father Pfleger. The priest's mocking of Senator Clinton was cruel and there was nothing in that “act” that looked Christ-like. So I understand the senator’s decision. It is difficult to make an argument for being a uniter if your religious leaders are divisive.

However, I hope this does not mean we now expect our leaders to only attend houses of worship lead by beige-Jell-O, milk toast, don’t-rock-the-boat religious leaders. Because that is not my idea of what a religious leader is.

In my faith tradition religious leaders are not afraid to speak truth to power. That is what the prophets did and that is what I would hope our clergy would do. I would hope they would hold America accountable for racism, ignoring the poor, polluting the planet, using resources very poorly and fighting wars that cannot be described by religious leaders as Just Wars. I am not defending Rev. Wright or Father Pfleger. I am expressing my concern that we do not mistake religious leaders in the future who challenge the establishment as being kooks or somehow anti-American.

I would of course also hope our leader’s clergy would also remind us of all our gifts, rights and responsibilities we share and are blessed with as Americans.

My other concern is the use of Internet video clips to emphasize one aspect of a worship service. I hope this campaign does not begin to equate charismatic, energetic, loud, heart felt sermons and congregations as something other than Christian. I am Norwegian-American. I like my sermons spoken calmly and thoughtfully with not hubbub to distract from the sermon. Heck, I cringe at liturgical dance. But that is just my preference, it says nothing about folks who prefer to make a “Joyful noise unto the Lord”. I worry that the video clips are becoming subtle shorthand for people to sneer and feel superior because they are not like “that”.

When I put my stoic style to the side I have to ask myself, if I believe God IS Love and loved us to the point of sacrifice, then why aren’t I up on my feet dancing, praising and saying Thank You.

So Senator, I understand your decision. I just hope we do not get to the point where we expect our leader’s clergy and spiritual mentors to stand for nothing more than decorum.

The Pope Calls for Allowing Aid to get to the Needy in Burma

The news that continues to leak out of Myanmar is horrible. Entire villages have been devastated and the villagers are then left to fend for themselves. The government is ineffective in distributing donations. The U.S. naval ships off the coast of Myanmar are loaded with medical supplies and food but the Myanmar government will not allow the U.S. to unload the supplies on Burmese soil. People are dying, the dead or decomposing, jobs, infrastructure and social networks are gone. The foundation for major epidemics is set and yet the government cares more about its own power than its own people.

Friday the Pope called for the leaders of Myanmar to allow all foreign relief workers to provide the materials and skills they have to offer this suffering nation.

At this time the estimates are staggering, 134,000 dead or missing and 2.4 million destitute.

The archbishop of Mandalay said the infrastructure of the Catholic Church in Burma is so devastated that it could take over a decade to rebuild. Still the church is working to distribute food, water, medical care and shelter.

The church is not alone in this enormous task. Buddhist monks have worked at meeting the needs of the neglected villagers. They have defied the government and distrusted supplies they collected.


Aid group warns of cyclone disease threat

Roma

Tiber River Rome

Tiber River Rome

Our Franciscan Pilgrims in Roma

Touring Rome
Today will be a great day for our pilgrims, except for the sadness of knowing their journey is almost over. They will visit the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. Some will go to the Vatican Gardens. They will walk along the Tiber River, view the black market and bump into the Roma (gypsies). They will see the Pantheon which was a temple to the Roman gods and then became a shrine to the saints. They will see the Castle Sant'Angelo which served as the bastion of popes facing invaders. The will see the Spanish Steps, fountains and public art, and the Circus Maximus, once the home of chariot races. They will visit many piazzas, squares full of art and cafes. Foods, shops, museums, the ancient, the modern, the fashionable and the outrageous will be right there.

I cannot imagine any of them not seeing the coliseum. This is the most ancient monument from ancient Rome. Its building began in 7.5. A.D. and was opened in 80 A.D., an opening celebrated with a full day of bloody games during which, according to legend, five thousand animals were killed. This is a site of interest to all lovers of history but has special meaning to Christians who remember the martyrs.

They will especially want to visit the forum. which just goes on and one and on. The forum served as the center of social and political life in Ancient Rome. The site includes palaces, statues, temples and courts and homes.

Did I mention fountains? This is the city of fountains and the most famous is Trevi Fountain. This is perhaps the most famous fountain in the world. This huge Baroque construction, inspired by sea mythology, took 30 years to built, starting in 1732. Legend says that anyone who throws a coin into the fountain will return to the Eternal City. They will throw a coin in the fountain because they will want to return!

The pilgrims will celebrate their last Eucharist in Rome tonight. They will have one more day here, at St.Peter’s but they know a major event in their lives is coming to an end. What they cannot know at this time is that the meaning of the pilgrimage, the impact on their lives will be life long and changing. It is impossible to think about them without smiling, so, I smile.


Roman Forum and Roman Colosseum, Rome Italy

I am Easily Influenced, by Me!

So what happens when you write about Italy so much? Well… tonight I made supper. I made penne pasta with both basil pesto sauce and marinara sauce. I made a salad and of course had Italian bread. I grilled peppers, onions and zucchini in garlic and olive oil. I had an antipasto olive and pepper dish. I also had provolone, prosciutto and soppressata. Not too shabby for a Norwegian-American, uff da!

Our Pilgrims at the Vatican and Rome

Today our pilgrims walk over to St. Peter’s square. They had a walking tour of Rome last night. However, today they will go into the Vatican. They will have their breath taken away by the immense size and grandeur of it all. When you have a Universal Church that is 2000 years old you accumulate a lot of stuff and have a lot of people to remember and it is all here, starting with St. Peter.

They will see unbelievable art. They will walk past the Papal Apartments, the Vatican Swiss Guards.

They will celebrate Eucharist at the Tomb of St. Peter. Eucharist is a time when the celebrants are connected with the entire church is place and time. That sense of this mystery is never more real than here.

They will have a historical tour of the Vatican. They will see where Vatican I and II occurred, where Pope John Paul II lies.

I remember just being blown away by the history, the significance of place but also the beauty. It looks as if it was built yesterday, the materials are so pristine. The columns that hold up the dome are wider than my house.

Afterwards they will go to St. John Lateran. This was the church of the popes during Francis day. I never made it there so I look forward to viewing their photos and hearing their stories.

Finally they will visit San Francesco a Ripa. This is church in a poor neighborhood that Francis stayed at when we walked to Rome It is a beautiful yellow church with hidden relics and a long history of serving the poor and being taken over by conflicting political powers.

Rome is a wonderful city with layers and layers of history, beauty everywhere and so much activity. Our pilgrims will have a great day.


The Vatican June 2007

Francis, Greccio and Our Pilgrims

Yesterday was a great day. I received a brief e-mail from Kathleen Lotter stating they had arrived in Rome. Today Kathleen and the other pilgrims will experience the Vatican but yesterday they experienced Christmas!

After living, worshipping and exploring Assisi the pilgrims went to the Reita Valley. This is a site of multiple Franciscan hermitages. However, the most famous is Greccio. It is here that Francis recreated the living nativity scene during a midnight Christmas Mass. Francis popularized this custom which is still very popular today.

So they visited another hermitage on the side of a mountain. I am sure they wondered how it was ever built. They walked past the dorms the friars stayed in, most only big enough for a cot. They were reminded of the mountain spirituality that is so central to Franciscan Spirituality.

So they explored this beautiful sanctuary, had a service there and then the trip did not end. They went to another sanctuary, La Foresta for an authentic Italian Christmas Dinner, their prayers yesterday were Christmas Carols. Outside of the sanctuary was Mundo X which is an agrarian Franciscan drug rehab center. They were among Franciscans working with today’s lepers.

I know they had a wonderful time that will have a lasting effect on all of their Christmases. From this moment on they will focus on the humility of Christmas and when they look at their little manger sets under their Christmas trees or on their mantles they will remember Greccio and Francis.


Assisi Pilgrimage: Walking in Faith With Francis and Clare
(includes a scene with Father Murray Bodo, OFM)

Spending Time with Saint Clare

The Piazza, The Temple, and Silvia
Today our pilgrims spend time with Saint Clare. They will spend time at theBasilica S. Chiara. The will walk down to the lower levels and spend time with Clare at her tomb. At the other end of this section of the church are important relics and artifacts. This includes robes, writings but especially the approved Order they she spent a life time trying to get approved by the Pope. This finally happened right before her death.

The upper level is magnificent. It lacks the beauty of the Basilica of St. Francis because many of the frescoes have been destroyed by the effects of earthquakes and plague. During times of plague the churches served as hospitals and the walls were washed down with lye water which erased the frescoes. Still, this church makes you pause, become silent and listen.

On the side chapel hangs the original Cross of San Damiano. We see replicas of it all over our campus. It is the iconic cross that marks one of the biggest and most important conversions in young Francis’ life and there it is.

In the main sanctuary hangs the Tavola of St. Clare, it is about six feet tall. On that wood is painted the main events of Clare's life.

The piazza outside is huge and hangs over a valley. The church is built of pink and white stone. I know the pilgrims will be moved today. When I was there I would visit Clare almost every morning before breakfast.

To get there the pilgrims will leave Casa Papa Giovanna and walk through the Piazza del Comune with its Roman Temple, towers, and fountain. They will spend time there in the evening.

Finally, tonight they go to Il Paradiso for Cena or dinner. This is a magnificent indoor/outdoor restaurant on the side of the mountain leading to San Damiano. The food will be great, the camaraderie memorable. If they are smart they will take a drink out of the stone fountain, it is Roman and it is not everyday a Hoosier gets to drink from a fountain from the Roman Empire!

When this day is over they will never ever again think of Clare as Francis’ sidekick but rather as a dynamic force in the world.

Assisi - Night and day

Traveling to La Verna

So today the pilgrims travel to La Verna. This is the only land that Francis owned outright, a gift. He visited this mountain sanctuary at least six times. It is here that he received the stigmata. It is here that St. Bonaventure wrote the Soul’s Journey into God. It is here that Pope John Paul II spoke from the precept. This is where St. Anthony of Padua went for sanctuary.

We walked the mountain side, visited the caves where Francis and the other brothers stayed. We visited the site of the stigmata and participated in a procession from the church to the Stigmata Chapel.

This is a very holy site. It is clear why Francis needed to have time away from the world so he could then move and work in the world.

I cannot wait to talk to this years batch of pilgrims when they return. I know La Verna is different for each person and I want to hear their experiences.

Sketches from La Verna Sanctuary

St. Clare, Pilgrims and San Damiano

So today the pilgrims journey just outside of Assisi. It is not far but it is a formidable walk to San Damiano.

The place is surprisingly simple. This is where so much started. This is where Francis prayed before the cross and heard God tell him to rebuild His church. This became the sanctuary, the home for Clare and the Poor Clares.

At this site Clare and the other sisters “heard” the Mass behind a metal grill. Here is where Clare healed others while she herself suffered in debilitating health. This is where Clare stood before the Saracens who where preparing to invade Assisi and the troops turned around. This is where Clare died.

This is an incredible place. From behind these walls Clare influenced Western and Central Europe. From behind these walls a movement grew, the Second Order.

The pilgrims will be moved, by the walk, by the place and by a healing ceremony next to the site where the saint died.

They will walk out of the medieval walled city of Assisi. They will walk down and down past olive orchards and grape vineyards. The yellow flowers and tall trees will frame the valley and the birds will sing and the blossoms will be aromatic and they will have a wonderful time.

It is good to walk among and with the saints.

Kazakhstan Unveils Monument to the Martyrs from the Ukraine

The Greek-Catholic Church of Kazakhstan has announced the unveiling of a new monument to the Ukraine Martyrs. These were the victims of Josef Stalin’s internal deportations and gulag. The gulag was a string of prisons. The prison system consisted of over 100 prison or concentration camps for political prisoners. There were more than 200,000 members of the clergy held prisoner. It is estimated that over 800,000 people were executed in the gulags.
The memorial honors all of the martyrs, known and unknown. However, it especially honors Blessed Oleksiy Zarytskyi, who died in a gulag hospital in Dolinka on October 30, 1963. Zarytskyi was one of 27 martyrs beatified by Pope John Paul II on June 27, 2001. Zarytskyi is remembered for the care given not only to fellow Ukrainians but also to Poles, Russians and Germans.
Kazakhstan is a nation of 8 million Muslims and 6 million Orthodox. However, there are also 500,000 Catholics, and it is the martyrs of this tiny minority that was currently being honored.

Pilgrims with Francis

Our pilgrims today have had a busy day. They had Eucharist at the Tomb of Francis. This is a very sober place and yet above it in the upper church the place is ablaze in color. This seems appropriate. Brother Francis cherished creation and we cherish him. Still, he would not understand how a man who chose a simple, humble life ends up entombed in a basilica that could pass for a fortress!

They also visited the Porziuncola. Again, Francis would not recognize this place. This is where the brothers lived in huts. This is the tiny, tiny church. This is also the site of the birth place of the Seculars and the Clares. All of this is now inside an enormous church that can be seen from the city. This is the site of Pope John Paul II’s three world interfaith peace services. They had to be moved by this visit.

Finally, they had the evening off. After learning, worshipping, reflecting, it is time to just spend time with fellow pilgrims. We would sit at the piazza eating gelato, sipping wine or coffees and talking. One night a group of teenagers sat at the top of the stairs of the Roman Temple and played guitars and sang. Friars and sisters from around the world walked the cobblestone streets. There is time to be by yourself. I am sure my fellow pilgrims had a great day.


St Francis of Assisi - Mickey Rourke – Porziuncola

Responses to Burma and China

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has called for prayers and donations for Burma and for China. The Philippines is a nation that is familiar with the fury of tropical storms and as the largest catholic nation in the areas they feel especially moved by these twin tragedies.

The nation is sending a 30 person medical team to Myanmar. The team will be there for two weeks.

There are indications that Americans are experiencing “disaster fatigue” and have been less generous with aid then in past disasters. However, Operations Blessings is an exception. They are on the ground providing critical services and at home in the U.S. they are actively coordinating relief efforts from collection to distribution.

We are lucky, we have many choices when it comes to helping. Sending money, sending prayers, working with local Burmese communities or supporting agencies that are doing the work provides us with a great deal of flexibility. What we cannot afford to do is act as if these are not our brothers and sisters in need.

Moral Theology and Father John Perry

Well, one term over and another one started. Last term I was taking Systematic Theology. The readings were challenging. We read St. Augustine’s explanations of the Triune God. We read about methodology and about the First Seven Ecumenical Councils. Then I made my first attempt to write a paper that was not APA or MLA, noooo, it was Chicago Style. The last time I used footnotes Nixon was in the White Still. Still, I learned a lot.

Now I am taking Moral Theology. I have been collecting my documents for my presentation. I have decided to write on the Catholic position on torture. Last summer in Portland Oregon at the Catholic Collegium on Intellectual Life I had the great fortune of having Father John Perry as a member of my daily group. John is a Jesuit priest in Canada who is also an expert on modern slavery and on torture. So I picked up his book, Torture: Religious Ethics and National Security. The other texts are equally sobering and equally timely. A year later and I am still moved by John, still learning from him. Thank you Father John!

So the Theology classes are progressing. I am finding them challenging, exciting and at times frustrating. I am not sure what I will do with an M.A. in Theology but I do know I love what I am learning, most of the time. I know it helps ground me as a Pastoral Counselor. I know it adds to my understanding of historical movements when I teach the History and Systems of Psychology. I also know it has forever altered how I experience Mass. So, back to my homework.

New Pilgrims to Assisi

Assisi, City of Francis
Last year when I started this blog the first thing I wrote about was my pilgrimage to Assisi. I wrote because it had been one year and my friends were now making the pilgrimage. Well, a year later and there is another group of pilgrims from the University of St. Francis.

They arrived yesterday. The drive from Rome to Assisi sets the stage. As the mountains and valleys appear and the poppies, vineyards and olive orchards appear you know you are entering a special place.

Yesterday they arrived at Casa Papa Giovanni. That will be there home for a week. It is a place of great meals, a chapel for individual and group services. It has a wonderful library and three, count them, three, roof top gardens. From your bedroom windows you can see the valley between Assisi and Perugia.

Down the street is the Roman Temple, the Basilica of St. Clare, the chapel of St. Stefan, the fountain. In the other direction rests Brother Francis. Above is the fortress wall.

These pilgrims will be transformed. This is not a vacation, it is the folding and unfolding of time. They will walk and commune with the saints and with one another. They will commune with all of us who made that visit.

Yesterday they were oriented to the city and to the historical landscape of Francis and Clare. Today they go to so many of the birthplaces of our movement. As I write this they are asleep. I cannot wait to hear their experiences. In the meantime I will be reflecting on our collective pilgrimages.

Peace and all good

Chinese Mourn and the World is Moved

Today began a three day period of mourning in China. At 2:28 people across China stopped what they were doing. Construction stopped, transportations stopped, workers of all types paused for three minutes of silent prayer and mourning. It reportedly was not always quite as this nation of over one billion people found it difficult to grieve silently. The pain found a way out.

And so it will go for the next three days. 70,000 dead, far more homeless and a major impact on the economy of this giant cannot be minimized. The ripple effect of pain as families, neighborhoods and villages cope with the loss of so many can not be imagined.

I remember feeling poisoned by the agony of Katrina. That disaster had a horrible death toll of over 1000, this is so much larger.

Bricks-The Great Wall Appeal is collecting funds from around the world. While this proud nation is accepting financial assistance for its citizens it is not accepting rescue teams. Australia, Japan and South Korea have all attempted to send teams and have all been politely rebuffed.The Chinese state the conditions are simply too dangerous to place others in harms way.

The Vatican usually declares May 24th as a World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. However, the Pope has called for all to join with the Chinese now to pray and mourn for the death of so many and the suffering of even more.

Our prayers are with the Chinese people over these next three days. Prayers and contributions may be united with The Great Wall Appeal. With so many dead there is a great hole in our family and it is time for brothers and sisters to share in the suffering and give comfort to one another.

Malaysia Celebrating Diversity

Malaysian Artistes For Unity Here In My Home

Well there is a new music video coming out of Malaysia today that addresses racial diversity and unity. It could easily be applied to America. However, we are hardly the only country with racial and ethnic diversity. The video is meant to promote unity and the artists ask that it be downloaded and uploaded by anyone interested in it. They are on a mission of love!

The video is Here In My Home and song by Malaysian Artistes for Unity. We are not the only ones with challenges. Malaysia is a nation of 27 million people. It sits at the crossroads (or shipping lanes!) of cultures. Chinese, Indonesian, Thai, Burmese, further away, Indian culture all influences the nation.

The nation is made up of Malay, Indian, Eurasian, Chinese, Nyonya, and indigenous people from Borneo. That’s quite a mix, it’s like trying to describe what makes a Chicagoan! The nation is predominately Muslim but tolerant of its diverse citizens. Therefore it is not difficult to find Catholic and Protestant churches or any variety of Buddhist Temples. So the vide is to promote this sense of “Us-ness” in Malaysia that goes beyond race, ethnicity or religion. It is a fun song and a great model of how to not just “tolerate” diversity but rather, to “celebrate” diversity.


The Trailer: it sets the video in context

Chinese Earhquake and Our Response

China Earthquake May 2008

China’s earthquake is a disaster that appears to keep on growing. Aftershocks, damaged dams and now the fear of flooding all add to a horrible situation.

The government is now estimating that the death toll may rise to 50,000 with a considerably higher number of homeless.

Schools, hospitals, neighbors and infrastructure has all been damaged or destroyed.

The government’s response has been swift. This includes the army moving in for transportation, food services and especially to repair dams. Government officials have been at the disaster sites.

Our prayers should go out to all Chinese as they deal with this monumental disaster.

The Chinese Catholic Church is responding with all of the compassion and challenges that other segments of Chinese society are exhibiting. The diocese in the area most directly impacted by the quake reports devastation. Priests from various parishes report difficulties contacting parish members or locating members. Over thirty churches in the area were damaged, some severely and at least one was completely destroyed. The quake has affected priests, nuns, seminaries, monasteries, churches and of course lay members.

Special Mass has been held throughout the area. Eucharistic Adoration sessions are being scheduled. Memorial services and prayers for the survivors are an active part of the Chinese Catholic Church response. Additionally collections have been made through Jinde Charities, a Catholic NGO that has asked for money, tents, medicines, foods, water and prayers.

It is appropriate that our thoughts, prayers, treasures and efforts go out not only to our Catholic brothers and sisters in China but to all Chinese at this time.

17th of May and My Blog One Year Later

Oslo Norway

Inside Minnekirken Church in Chicago

Viking Ship Replica in Chicago
Well today is the 17th of May or Syttende Mai. This is Norwegian Constitution Day. It is the equivalent of our Independence Day. There will be parades throughout Norway today. There will be parades in the upper Midwest and the Northwest, wherever large concentrations of Norwegian Americans are found there will be parades and celebrations.

As a child I loved this day. I would go to Humboldt Park in Chicago and watch the parade with my father. As young adults Cathi and I worked in the Norway Center in Chicago for one year. It was great, a Viking bar, and a Norse reception room. The reception room had been the center of Norwegian relief efforts during World War II. In 1976 the King of Norway visited Chicago and I saw him. I will never forget that day. So today is an important day to me.

However, today is also important to me for another reason. It is the one year anniversary of starting this blog. I had no idea if I would stick with it. I had no idea if I would attract readers. I certainly did not know how to make a blog. Still, one year later and I am still writing.

It has been a good year. I have learned a lot about a lot of different topics. I have leaned about different groups/peoples/faiths. Most importantly I have talked with so many interesting people.

I have communicated with African students studying in Poland, with old friends, friars, sisters and priests. I have communicated with some of the most interesting bloggers around. Including someone who actually thinks Notre Dame has a football team (just seeing if you’re paying attention), a Republican Catholic in Louisiana, a gay Catholic in Australia, Buddhists, Muslims, contemplatives, interfaith groups and so many more.

I have learned to pick my words carefully but to not deny my opinions. That has become difficult. I clearly care about the plight of Christians across the Middle East and Northern Africa. It is important to acknowledge the violence by fanatics who kill in the name of Islam without confusing Muslims with those fanatics. Not an easy thing. However, it is clear, fanatics, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu have more in common with each other than with folks who worship a loving God.

I have learned I need to seek balance. Yes, the world is full of violence, natural disasters, and mistrust. However, it is also full of peace-makers, natural beauty, fun and pilgrims. There are so many pilgrims!.

My goals last year were modest. At that time I stated:
So, the things I expect I will address:
Journeys and pilgrimages
Franciscanism
Inter-faith interactions
Global Warming
Peace-making
Pastoral Counseling
Clinical Psychology
Disaster Mental Health
Family
Friends
Community

However, for today I am just learning the lay of the land. I am learning to navigate the template. My goal is modest: to connect with compassionate others who care about creation, the Creator and who do not take themselves too seriously. Only time will tell if this is worthwhile or folly!

So, blogging has been a dance for me. It is part travelogue, part journal, part op-ed page and part spiritual reflection. The order and priorities change. The joy of interacting with folks from around the globe does not.

So, Happy Syttende Mai and we will see if I am still around blogging a year from now.

Peace and all good,
Carl


Syttende Mai Norway

Fort Wayne, Spring, the Parks and a Great Dog

It has been an excellent week for dog walking in Fort Wayne. The weather has been a little wet and cold but the parks are alive.

I walk with my Chow-Chow Recess though a number of our parks. At Tillman Park we watch the geese land in the water and the river rise. At Foster Park we watch the small rapids, the duck families and smell the spring flowers.

At Headwaters Park we walked past the old fort, over the bridge and walked by St. Mary’s River, St. Joseph River and the Maumee River. We crossed over and walked past the statues, looked for heron, listened to woodpeckers and stared at the skateboarders. There is a lot of dead wood damming up one of the bridges and on top of a story and a half pile of dead trees was a Canada goose proudly honking, it was cool.

At Sweeney Park we crossed over and walked by the homestead. At the park proper we walked through the rock garden, over the wooden foot bridges and watched as the pagoda was being constructed. Robins, cardinals, blue jays, wrens and swallows were every where.

So, it is still cool outside but spring is right around the corner and we are ready to walk in the woods, by the river and in the fields. It is good to have a dog!

Saudi-Catholic Relations and Reason to Hope

Muslim-Christian dialogue and relations is of critical importance to everyone. The political situation around the globe is often described in terms of a cultural war when in fact we are often observing the attacks of militants and fanatics and then the reactions of those attacked. That is not cultural war but it could become a cultural war.

That is why “A Common Word Between Us and You” proposed by 138 Islamic clerics, national leaders and scholars is so important. That is why bridge building between individuals is so important. That is why what is happening between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Vatican is so important.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has called for a conference between Muslims, Jews and Christians. The purpose of the conference is to protect humanity from stumbling into a cultural war that could be devastating.

True interfaith dialogue does not minimize real differences between the faiths. That is exactly what the king is calling for, a conference in his kingdom in which his delegates would be true to the tenets and moral guidelines of Islam. Jewish and Christian delegates would be expected to be true t their tenets. The Pope has also called for dialogue in which each faith recognizes their very real differences and yet also respect and love one another. The king’s goal is to develop the ground work for an agreement on ethical and social considerations. If such an agreement is realized he proposes presenting it to the United Nations. The call for the conference has been viewed favorably by members of Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

Words without action however are just sound waves. This is action. The Vatican and the kingdom are negotiating the construction of the first Catholic Church in Saudi Arabia. It would serve the many Catholic foreign workers in the kingdom. The kingdom is the only nation in the peninsula without a Catholic Church. There are over 800,000 Catholics currently residing as temporary workers in the kingdom. This is a major development and concession by the king.

The two nations, Saudi Arabia and the Vatican do not have formal diplomatic ties. That has not stopped either from increasing dialogue. This has included a visit by the king to the Pope in the Vatican last year.

Each new massacre, each new martyr, each new over-reaction each day brings us all closer to the brink of a cultural war between fanatical Islam and the secular West. These two men are working to give the world respite, time to pause, think and perhaps find a new way for brothers and sisters to treat one another.


Saudi King Visits the Pope

Catholic Church of Kazakhstan Joins FABC

Kazakhstan Baptism

How big is a Universal Church? It is soooo big! The Catholic Church of Kazakhstan has just joined Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference. Kazakhstan is a nation of 15 million, of which 60 % are Shiite Muslims. The other 40 % consists of Catholics (250,000), Greek Catholics and the majority of the 40% are Orthodox.

This is a huge country, larger than all of the nations that make up the European Union. So,tolerance is important.

Christianity is not new to Kazakhstan. Roman prisoners in the 2nd century (who lost to the Persians) brought Christianity to the area. By the 4th century there were Melkite monasteries in the country. The Catholic influence is a result of forced deportations of Catholics to Kazakhstan by Stalin. So the influences are old and new.

In 1991 Pope John Paul II established an Apostolic Administrative structure for the country. In 1999 the structure became a diocese. In 2003 there was full diplomatic relations established between Kazakhstan and the Vatican.

Kazak Song of Worship

So back to the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference. It now has 15 members and 10 associate members. That is a vast area influencing millions of lives and I never knew it existed. My ignorance and the universe, they just go on and on and on and…..

Fort Wayne Komets, Turner Cup Champs

OK, the world is falling apart. There is suffering and need. There is also reason for thanksgiving. There are flowers, oceans, kittens and kangaroos and there is the Fort Wayne Komets Hockey Team.

The Fort Wayne Komets are the Turner Cup National Champions! This was NOT the easiest way to win a tournament. In the best of seven Fort Wayne was down 3-1 and then…two Komets wins in a row and the national championship game was back in Fort Wayne last night. However, the Port Huron Icehawks just wouldn’t quit.

Prior to last night the series was:
Port Huron 4, Komets1
Port Huron 3, Komets 2
Komets 5, Port Huron 1
Port Huron 5, Komets 1
Komets 4, Port Huron 2
Komets 4, Port Huron 3

And then there was last night. Three overtimes, three!!! Guys were bent over, tired, could hardly move and then they found reserves they did not know they had. Bottom line, three overtimes and five hours of play later, Komets 3, Port Huron 2.

The 2008 Komets are the Turn Cup Champions and can now join the Fort Wayne Komets Championship Teams of 1963, 1965, 1973, 1993 and 2005. Go Komets!!!

A Sunny Spring Day In Bluffton Indiana

Cathi and I had a nice leisurely Saturday afternoon. We wandered around Bluffton Indiana. It is a small town about 30 miles south of Fort Wayne.

Bluffton is a very pretty town. It has a riverwalk, footpaths, unique parks and beautiful buildings. The courthouse is stunning.

Bluffton also has a less than perfect past. In 1880 three African-Americans entered the city looking for work. When they arrived at a local hotel they received notification, in writing that they had to leave the city.

Well, I like Bluffton, a lot, but not because of its past, in spite of its past! Bluffton brings out the best that is American. They acknowledged their shortcomings (that seems like an inadequate description) and became one of the first towns in America to publicly acknowledge its exclusionary past and to then publicly work at becoming and inclusive city. I admire that.

Of course that is not all the city is famous for. It is the home town of Patrick Moynihan the late Senator from New York. He also served as ambassador to the United Nations and to India. Not too shabby for a town of about 9000.

However, we weren’t there for a history lesson. We just walked, looked at the antique shops and restaurants, talked with the shop keepers. It was just a nice spring afternoon.

Afterwards we drove around the country roads, went to a few barn sales and looked at horses and horses and still more horses. It was just a nice day for tow city folk.

A Day Full of Meaning

So, what a day. We observe Pentecost, 50 days since Easter. However, far more important than the number of days, it is the birthday of the Church. It is the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and Mary. Afterwards the disciples were able to preach with conviction. They spoke in the tongues of the empire. If Antioch is where they were first called “Christians” then this is where the Christians first became a church.

It is also Mothers Day. Mothers Day was a “created” by Julia Ward Howe. It became a day to unite mothers against war. We could use Mothers Day this year. Not to sell pretty cards and flowers and make breakfast in bed. We need mothers to kick our butts and tell us war is not the answer.


It is also the end of one week of praying for peace and marking the 25th anniversary of the Peace Pastoral of the U.S. Conference of Bishops which spoke out against the Cold War.

So all and all, what a day. A day that is a call to action, action for peace. Try to find a continent or community that is not struggling with violence. Alone we can do very little but we are not alone. That is the promise of today.

What "One Body" Looks Like

They Will Know We Are Christians by our Love

Catholics Working and Praying Together for Peace and Justice

So, it is May 11th, it has been one week of praying for peace. This has been good for me. I have learned so much about my fellow Christians who are not Catholic. I have learned about their long history and commitment to peacemaking. I have become familiar with some of their resources, resources we can all use.

However, this week started as a 25 year anniversary of the Peace Pastoral of the U.S. Conference of Bishops. I started by looking at Franciscans and like minded groups, including Pax Christi. The Peace Pastoral was not an ecumenical paper or a Franciscan paper, it is an American Catholic document. So I will end looking at only a few of the other Catholic organizations dedicated to peace and social justice. It is important to remember that they are only a few.

The Jesuits have a long history of working for social justice. It is not surprising that their efforts are both in action and academic. The Dominicans, the peers of the Franciscans in the development of universities, are also our peers in working for peace. The Carmelites provide another and different model of how to work for the world without being in the world.

A much older Order than the Franciscan, the Augustinians have a lot to teach all of us in terms of putting words to action and making that action for peace. The Benedictines are also an older Order that has worked for peace diligently and has a lot to offer all of us.

Last year I attended the Catholic Collegium This was a Collegium on integrating catholic identity and intellectual identify on campus. It was wonderful, powerful and demanding. It was started by the Holy Cross Orders, another Order dedicated to working for peace and social justice.

The list of Orders goes on and one. The Catholic organizations focusing on social justice and peace go on and on. Catholics for Peace and Justice are brothers and sisters from around the world doing what we are called to do. Now we need to make sure we are doing that work with whoever else is interested in peace. Because our mandate is simple, to love.

So, let us pray and work, let us ALL pray and work, for PEACE

Pentecostal and Charismatics Praying and Working for Peace

Well, this is the last of the Protestant Peace Networks I will be talking about for a while. May 11th is a few hours away and the week of praying for peace is coming to an end.

During my high school years I spent time in a Charismatic, Pentecostal Church. I suppose folks focus on their conservative social agenda but I didn’t. I don’t believe most of the members of our church did. They focused on their faith and the Gifts of the Spirit. And they cared about one another and the world they lived in.

So it should be no surprise at all they also have a Peace Network. Their goals are goals most of us would agree on: sustainable peacemaking, respect for all parties in the Holy land Conflict, ethnic reconciliation, developing women in leadership, nonviolent leadership.

Finally, they publish Pax Pneuma: the Journal for Pentecostals and Charismatics for Peace and Justice. All of the resources are biblically based. We Catholics focus on Scripture and Tradition, this group’s focus is on Scripture.

In so many ways there are ample opportunities for all of us to work together for peace. It is clear that the forces of violence and intolerance are cooperating with one another. It is time that we come together as true brothers and sisters and let the world see what happens when the power of LOVE is lived and released.


Pentecostal Charismatic Peace Fellowship - Get to know us!

Church of the Brethren, a Source of Peace, Working and Praying for Peace

It is difficult for me to think of Peace churches in Fort Wayne without thinking about the Church of the Brethren. They are consistently advocating for peace, are against violence and often take stands that are not easy or popular. They turn the other check and they have my respect.

The Church of the Brethren provides useful resources for its religious education people and all of its lay ministers. On Earth Peace is one such example. Their history of peacemaking is well developed and long-standing. The Church of the Brethren Network provides clear definitions and an historical timeline of its peace history.

As a Fort Wayner I have occasion to interact with our Brethren Christian brothers and sisters. Their Anabaptist history is reflected in the northeast Indiana landscape. Additionally not far from here is Manchester College. This is a beautiful old liberal arts college with a great reputation. Additionally, it peace history runs deep. This is one of the first places I taught at when I arrived in Fort Wayne and it is a place I love.

Like many of the peace groups I mentioned, the Brethren do not act alone. They know peace is all our responsibility and that the Body of Christ is bigger then our denominational understandings. Therefore, they work with many different peace churches, other faiths and other organizations devoted to peace. They are a Church that has my respect and admiration.


VBS Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren

Disciples of Christ Working and Praying for Peace

Last night with the Burmese reminded me how much we need to pray for peace. I know they are facing the consequences of a natural disaster. However, the junta is preventing the world from helping on a scale that could begin to relieve suffering. The growing animosity is already leading to people talking about the “next war” in Burma. We need to pray for peace.

The Disciples of Christ Church also joins in prayers for peace and social justice. Disciples Home Missions clearly states its goals: demilitarization, abolishing the death penalty, responsible investments. The Disciples Justice Action Network is a treasure or related resources, it is the tools in the tool box for working for social justice.

However, even if you have a plan and the resources, to do the work and to do it consistently you need support. The Disciples Peace Fellowship provides that support.

So as we prepare for the last day of this week of praying for peace let us join our Disciples of Christ brother and sisters in praying for peace.


First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Ashland, KY 2007 Summer Mission Trip to work at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Millersburg, KY.

Burma, Fort Wayne and Cyclone Nargis

Friday evening I arrived at the Allen County Courthouse Square. There was an inter-faith memorial service for the Burmese cyclone victims. There were 20 torches lighting up the grounds. Posters of Burma tugged at your heart. Photos of corpses lined up, dead children, dead livestock. People crying, homes demolished, the photos were horrific.

The media was out in force. That is because it was an important event and because it was photographic. Men in blue sarongs, round embroidered caps, women in native dress, sandals, gyms shoes, native customs, hip-hop, American casual, the dress reflected an immigrant population in various stages of acculturation.

There were 12 Buddhist monks. Most were Burmese, one Sri Lankan and others from different Buddhist Temples in town. We were all given candles t light. There was a large banner held by mourning women.

The speakers mostly spoke in Burmese. The crowd reflected the makeup of the city, Fort Wayners were supporting their Burmese brothers and sisters. The speeches were mostly in Burmese however, the grief, the crying was universally understood. The monks lead the crowd in Buddhist chants.

My friend the Rev. Terry Anderson was there. He is the assistant director of Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and the director of the Samaritan Counseling Center. He was there to offer support but they asked him to offer up a prayer.

Terry started by walking up to the monks and bowing before them. He then acknowledged the profound grief and prayed to the God of us all, the God known by many names, the god that is with us especially when we mourn. When he was done and again bowed before the monks. Rev. Anderson was the perfect representative of the Fort Wayne Christian community.

The service ended with sorrowful music and then all of the flames were extinguished.

Money will now be collected to be sent either to the “Charitable Funeral Service”, the “Independent Rescue Group” or NGOs.

While I was there I made contact with a person taking digital photos. She will be sending me copies. As soon as I receive them I will post them.

Peace,
Carl

Myanmar Suffers While the World Wants to Help

I have to take a break from this voyage of peace resources during this week of Catholic Prayers for Peace. I have to take a break because I live in Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne or the Summit City has the largest Burmese population in the world outside of Burma. We are a major refugee center and Catholic Carities are busy working with refugees from around the world. However, right now, this week, I am focused on the Burmese.

The reason is obvious. On May 03 Myanmar (Burma) was struck by Cyclone Nargis. Between the winds and the surge the devastation is hard to believe. There are over 100,000 dead, possibly twice that. Live stock is gone. Over a million people are homeless.

Myanmar is a closed society. We remember how the ruling junta dealt with the Buddhist monks who marched for democracy. However, this disaster is so extensive that the government is beginning to allow relief workers and supplies in. For sure they are being cautious. They are accepting material from China, Thailand, and India. They may accept supplies from the United States but they will not allow U.S. planes on their soil or in their airspace.

The United Nations was initially critical of the reluctance to allow outside agencies into Myanmar to assist. That situation is beginning to change. The most critical need is for food, medicines, shelter and water. United Nations planes have been delivering supplies from the World Food Program. These include tents, high energy biscuits, and medical supplies.

The damage is not just an acute emergency. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is estimating that the cyclone did more damage to fishing ad farming than the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004.

The United States Depts. of Defense and State are working to find creative ways of getting U.S. supplies to Burma. This includes having stocks of supplies off shore and allowing others to transport the food.

I have been critical of the Chinese government. I have criticized them for their unwillingness to use their influence in Sudan to stop the genocide. I have criticized the Chinese for not pressuring the Burmese junta to stop beating protesting monks and I have criticized China for its treatment of Tibet. Well, this is an opportunity for China to show the world it is truly a world power, a humanitarian leader and not just collectivistic-capitalist country pretending to be communist. They need to step up and pressure their ally Burma to open up their borders and accept help from whoever is willing to give it. There is too much suffering for business as usual.

There has been some assistance besides the United Nations. The International Red Cross has been able to assist some individuals and to provide some supplies. There are 27,000 Red Cross volunteers from Burma but the International Red cross would like to also provide volunteers for such a massive undertaking.

Public health is an additional concern. The bodies of dead humans and animals are floating in water sources, bodies are decomposing and chaos is preventing the cleanup process to progress. The result is that the fear of malaria and cholera are very real.

Burma is a predominately Buddhist nation. There are 700,000 Catholics and unfortunately the diocese has been severely damaged. Still, the Burmese Catholic Church has been active in collecting needed relief materials and distributing them. Catholic Relief Services has also taken a lead role in collecting mateirals and resources. Additionally, Christian Aid Today has made a worldwide appeal for financial, material and human resources.

So, send Burma you prayers and your money. Just as after the Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster and after Katrina hit the Gulf States, this to will require a long term commitment.

Burma Cyclone

The United Church of Christ Praying for Peace

Lately when people talk about the United Church of Christ they act as if the Church has only two members, Barack Obama and Rev. Wright. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is a vibrant church that has been involved in social justice issues for a long, long time.

Name the Social Justice Issue and they are involved in it: Human Rights, Civil Rights, hunger, eco-destruction, war, peace making, GLBT issues, health care, the federal budget, nuclear disarmament. You need an ally in fighting for any of these causes they will be there.

They work with other denominations and faiths to try to make the world less violent. An example would be the Open Letter to the President that addresses the War in Iraq and clearly states their demands based on biblical, gospel-living principles.

They are so much more that the current sound bites. Let us pray with our UCC sisters and brothers for peace.

100,000 for Peace Donation
An Ohio UCC Church video

Praying for Peace with Our Presbyterian Brothers and Sisters

So much conflict, so little time. So who else can we be praying with for peace? The real question is who can we not be praying with! However, today the focus is on our Presbyterian brothers and sisters.

They have been active in peace and justice issues at the family, local, national and world level for a long time. We have a lot to learn from them.

The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship is a cornucopia of resources (just felt like using cornucopia in a sentence). The focus is not on talking about peace, it is about action. Sounds like St. Francis, he wasn’t a peace-wisher, he rolled up his sleeves and WORKED for peace. This particular site has some good information on resisting militarism. That is a real challenge. We really were attacked. Our men in women in service, who are willing to die to protect us absolutely deserve our gratitude and support. The challenge is to support them and resist decisions made by leaders that simply generate more conflict. Not an easy position for anyone.

Presbyterian Peacemaking is a great site for just that, finding programs to work toward peace in our world. Swords into Plowshares is a great Presbyterian peace blog. Finally, The Witherspoon Society is one more related site with great resources.

So let us join with our Presbyterian brothers and sisters praying for peace…

Blessed are the Peacemakers,
for they shall be known as the Children of God.
But I say to you that hear, love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you,
pray for those who abuse you.
To those who strike you on the cheek, offer the other also,
and from those who take away your cloak,
do not withhold your coat as well.
Give to everyone who begs from you,
and of those who take away your goods, do not ask them again.
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

Lutherans Praying and Working for Peace

Well, my Scandinavian heritage has caught up with me. It is now time to talk about Lutheran Prayers for Peace. Our Lutheran brothers and sisters have a rich heritage of working for peace and social justice.

Lutheran Peace Fellowship is a great source for peace-making. If you want to know about Lutheran Peace workshops and forum, peace worship materials, peace educational materials, Christian peacemaking, Hunger and Peace, Just War doctrine or Peace Making and Youth Services than this is the site for you.

Perhaps the most interesting portal on the site is to the Wall of Hope. Enter this and you are transported to an exhibit about 100 of the must successful peace projects in history, talk about inspirational!

So let’s join with our Lutheran brothers and sisters and pray for peace…

In Time of War
O Lord God of infinite mercy, we humbly implore You to look down on the nations now engaged in war. Do not count Your people's sins against them, but grant them true repentance, that the lusts of the human heart may be conquered by Your Spirit of gentleness and righteousness. Look in mercy on those immediately exposed to peril. Comfort the prisoners, relieve the sufferings of the wounded, and show mercy to the dying. According to Your good and gracious will, remove the causes and occasions of this war, and restore peace among the nations; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, You alone are our strong Defender, and ever-present help in time of trouble. Watch over and defend our military personnel, and all others who defend our life and liberty, that they may serve justly and honorably in the pursuit of peace. Grant them courage and strength in their time of service, and bring them safely home to their families and communities; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The above prayer is a Missouri Synod Lutheran prayer for peace.

Peace-making is sometimes not ending a conflict but building relationships before it is necessary. This Evangelical Lutheran video is an example of being part of a worldwide family.
Weaving a Global Neighborhood

A Song for Peace in Kenya

Kenyan Song for Peace

United Methodists Praying for Peace

So, who else is working for peace in the name of the Prince of Peace? Well, the United Methodist Fellowship of course. From online courses, to documents, meetings, prayer meetings and conferences. Peace is more than a hope and peace-making is a shared responsibility. The goals of the United Methods are many, standing up for Nuclear Disarmament, to stop the War in Iraq and even more basic, making a foundation in which peace can flourish. The goals are many, the dedication is constant.

Remember, God of Peace,
the peoples of the world divided into many nations and tongues.
Deliver us from every evil that obstructs your saving purpose,
and fulfill your promises of old to establish your kingdom of peace.

From the curse of war and all that creates it,
O God, deliver us.

From Believing and speaking lies against other nations.
O God, deliver us.

From narrow loyalties and selfish isolation,
O God, deliver us.

From fear and distrust of other nations,
from all false pride, vainglory, and self-deceit,
O God, deliver us.

From the lust of the mighty for riches,
that drives peaceful people to slaughter,
O God, deliver us.

From putting our trust in the weapons of war,
and from want of faith in the power of justice and good will,
O God, deliver us.

From every thought, word, and deed which rends the human family
and separates us from the perfect realization of your love.
O God, deliver us.

Amen.

(England, 20th cent., alt.)

So let us join our Methodist brothers and sisters in praying for peace.

This prayer is from the Massachusetts Council of Churches

Praying for Peace with Our Friends

What could be more Peace-oriented that to be among members of The Society of Friends otherwise known as Quakers? These are the folks who early on advocated for religious tolerance. They fought (non-violently of course) against slavery. They were actively involved in the Underground Railroad. They were/are involved in women’s rights and human rights. They are involved in the struggle for peace among all people.

It seems appropriate that one of the Friends Societies in Fort Wayne meets at the Center for Nonviolence. This is a state with a long and active Quaker history. Earlham College in Richmond Indiana has its roots in that history and now contributes by educating future leaders in the Society.

So as we take time to pray daily for peace let us include our Quaker brothers and sisters because they are truly our Friends.

Derek Lamson: Quaker in Portland Oregon Singing for Peace

Praying for Peace with Our Mennonite Brothers and Sisters

So, looking for an eclectic approach to peace and justice this week? Well look no further than the Peace and Justice Network of the Mennonite Church. Topics include Iran, Native Americans, Zimbabwe and of course Iraq.

I find myself drawn to Mennonites because of their social action. These are folks who support the Christians of the Middle East remain the type of Christians they are. They do not go over seas only to attempt to turn Christians into their model of Christianity. I suspect the Chaldeans are grateful for this.

These are the folks that work with whoever wants to work for peace. The goal is peace and not self promotion.

Cathi and I go to Goshen Indiana often. It is our favorite rural/small town art colony. It also is a Mennonite Center and with the 10,000 Villages Shop which sells fair trade items or their resale shop we always know our money is going to a good cause. And once the folks discover we are Franciscan the talk always turns to peace.

The Muslim, Jewish, Christian Prayer for Peace

O God, you are the source
of life and peace.
Praised be your name forever.
We know it is you who turn
our minds to thoughts of peace.
Hear our prayer in this time of war.

Your power changes hearts.
Muslims, Christians, and Jews remember,
and profoundly affirm,
that they are followers of the one God,
children of Abraham, brothers and sisters;
enemies begin to speak to one another;
those who were estranged join hands in friendship;
nations seek the way of peace together.

Strengthen our resolve to give witness to these truths by the way we live.

Give to us:
Understanding that puts an end to strife;
Mercy that quenches hatred; and
Forgiveness that overcomes vengeance.

Empower all people to live in your law of love.
Amen

.

This prayer and other prayers for peace as well as other peace resources may be found at Pax Christi.

The Time for Peace Is NOW

25 years ago the U.S. Bishops published The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Challenge. Today that challenge continues. The world has clearly changed. Instead of a bipolar world divided between the Democracies and Communism we live in a world with one super power and many struggles. The struggle to address problems together is among the many challenges we face. This was addressed by the Pope during his visit to America last month.

Other challenges are too easy to count: unrest due to lack of food, the wars of intolerance and wars of the fanatics, civil wars, genocide and ecocide. The challenge of the bishops cries out to us this day.

The Peace Pastoral was a call for Christians to stop the Cold War. Today, from May 2nd until May 11th we are called upon to pray again for peace. We are called to pray individually, as families, fraternities, as churches, and as communities. We are called to renew our commitment to dedicating the church to peace.

So let us lean on one another and support each other’s efforts toward peace. Let us use our resources, Pax Christi, Franciscans International, Catholic Schools for Peace and Justice, the Catholic Peace Network, as well as our brothers and sisters from the east, the In Communion: Orthodox Peace network.

In the coming days I will highlight a different peace initiative or organization from other denominations. Please share your prayers for peace and your favorite organizations working for peace at all levels.

25 years of preparation is just a beginning. NOW is the time to pray and work for peace.

Coptic Pope Visits Ethiopia

Rock Church Ethiopia

Pope Shenuda III the Coptic Pope of Egypt is on a three day visit to Ethiopia. He will meet with Ato Malez Zewnawi the Ethiopian Prime Minister. They will focus on working toward achieving peace in the Horn of Africa. This is no small matter since Ethiopian troops are in Somalia.

His Holiness will also meet with Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos who is the Patriarch of the Ethiopian church. The two churches have a long and ambivalent history. It was only in 1951 that the Ethiopian Church became autonomous from the Egyptian Church. Both Churches have ancient histories. Both claim St. Mark as their apostolic founder. However they also have unique histories.

Egypt begins its history with the Holy Family fleeing King Herod and entering Egypt. The Church stresses Old Testament prophesies that pertains to Egypt. The contributions of the Church to the larger Christian body are significant. The Desert Fathers gave the larger Church the model of the ascetic and monastic life. The Didascalia or the Catechetical School of Alexandria was the first and one of the greatest schools of theology in the history of Christendom. The Egyptian church was the home of a great many giants of early Christianity; St. Athanasius defender of the faith and writer of the Nicene Creed, Origen the father of theology, Athenagoras, Didymus the Blind but teachers at the Didascalia are but a few. This is a Church that began in persecution and unfortunately the persecution continued; the pagan Rome, Christian Byzantine and Islamic Egypt all persecuted the church at various times. The result was a resilient if minority Church that has withstood the test of time and reentered the larger Christian world body.

It is this Church that first responded to the small Church of Ethiopia. It was Bishop Athanasius that sent missionaries to Ethiopia. Athanasius made Frumentius the abuna or bishop of Ethiopia. Ethiopia became a Christian nation. The Ethiopian Church, the Tewhado, has had its bishops appointed by Egypt until the 1950, 16 centuries. However, the history is not at all a carbon copy.
Monasticism was introduced by monks from Syria. They encouraged the translation of the Bibl into Ethiopian Ge’ez. The Egyptians had translated the Bible into the Coptic language. There was far more diversity in the ancient Christian world than simply Hebrew, Greek and Latin.

The Ethiopian Christian dynasties had ancient linage. They traced their lineage to King Solomon of Israel. Many of the traditions and religious observances in Ethiopian were Jewish in origin
This is a nation that created a unique heritage. The rock churches of Lalibela became a site of pilgrimage. The followers of the Tewhado Church believe the Ark of the Covenant is Ethiopia

So, a shared past and custom but also so many distinct differences make it understandable that the relationship between the two Churches over the past decades has been ambivalent at best. For many Ethiopians the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt is associated with abuses of power and arrogance. However, for many Ethiopians they understand the complications of history and culture. This is a nation with Portuguese and Italian influences, with the ravages of communism and intolerance, with the struggle between Islamic and Christian Ethiopians. They understand that behaviors made in the name of faith are often behaviors that use faith as an excuse to be expressed.
Both Churches have long, strong Christian traditions and a long common bond. They know it is in their interest to become closer and supportive of one another in a world that is increasingly divided. It is important to moving toward one bay again being One Body.

Ethiopian Orthodox, New Bishops

Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt