Towards a wider and practical ecumenism R W

Towards a wider and practical ecumenism R. W. ALEXANDER JESUDASAN, D SC. , PH. D. PRINCIPAL & SECRETARY MADRAS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) CHENNAI-600 059 TAMIL NADU, INDIA ACADEMIC CONSULTATION CSI JAFFNA DIOCESE, SRI LANKA, AUG. 20, 2018

Outline Ecumenism and Tambaram CSI, WCC Formation Status of Ecumenism Concerns of Ecumenism

Why? Is it Theoretical or Practical Is it Narrow or Wider Ecumenism (Mind)

Ecumenism and Tambaram June 1910 World Missionary Conference at Edinburgh, centenary June 2010 1938 IMC at Tambaram, suggested by Bp VS Azariah, an alumnus of MCC due to impending World war and China was the original venue MCC Alumni such as Chenchiah and Chakkarai were prominent thinkers during Tambaram Conference Focus was on centrality of the church, in particular the local church, in mission, Representatives of “younger” churches became a majority in Tambaram. Conference defended the ultimate truth of the Christian message vis-à-vis other religions. It also advised missionaries to a listening and dialoguing approach in practice. Led to the birth of CSI (That all may be one ) in 1947 and WCC in 1948

Whole inhabited earth and just not one religion only – religious plurality Inner ecumenism is needed among religions – Judaism, Islam, etc A)Wider Ecumenism not to replace Christian Ecumenism Its not loyalty to one and betrayal of the other B) Wider Ecumenism – “Its not “Encounter of commitments” but creation of “Community of Communities”. Its not all religions are same. C) Those who are “saved” and “unsaved” “in need of salvation” Church is only a servant in the mission of God Courtesy: Wesley Ariarajah, 2009 Oikoumene – A promise or a threat

Religious traditions have fragmented the world Pastors conference at MCC – 100 s of Churches History has shown – rivalry, mutual exclusion, conflict, violence Hans Kung “there can be no peace in the world until there is peace among religions” and that “there can be no peace among religions until there is dialogue among them” Christian problem needs Christian answers and human problems need human collaboration Religions contribute to the well being of all, a source of healing not fragmentation, creating a human family with peace and harmony This is the goal of wider ecumenism, no longer an option but a necessity Courtesy: Wesley Ariarajah, 2009 TAWPE – An option or a necessity?

Practical Ecumenism Pope Francis presented Papal ring to Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, which is a repeat of 1966, which ushered a new era of dialogue Assuring together Unity and common mission – as clergy/missionaries go into the world Shying away from difficulties and working together in a needy world – promising and abundant Not about looking inwards but coming to the outside world together The more we come together, the more our message has credibility

Relationship between Ecumenism (OIKOS) and Unity – Roman Interpretation Emperors feared doctrinal controversies in Church as it would lead to divisions and fragmentation Organised “Ecumenical Councils” to maintain Unity in Church

India, best example of multi-religiosity, religious freedom and coexistence of religions – Religious harmony Many religions and many languages and culture Unity in Diversity – One Nation Virtues of practical ecumenism – patience, tolerance, no greed, etc One Life, One World, NO WAR (Ireland – RC vs Protestants – Blood shed, India – Ayodhya Vs Babri Masjid)

Fundamental Issues Greed, selfishness instead of Understanding, Unselfishness, Obedience, Care Toys in children – guns, tanks, military, ammunitions, animosity, military T shirt Living in an era where people cooperate or compete Peace Values Education PE – KG to PG approach Peace Enhancement through Meaningful Education

THE NEED FOR PEACE EDUCATION CULTURE Only Competition = whole system of behaviour Dispute VALUES THOUGHT, IDEOLOGY Action PERSPECTIVE Peace Values & Ideology Peace

Difference between HWPL Peace Education and Current Peace Education (Heavenly culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) Superficial causes Peace Education Current Peace Education Social Problem Fundamental causes HWPL Peace Education greed selfishness The occurrence of conflict Peaceful Problem HWPL Peace Values Education Realisation of World Peace

The main bodies of solution “Human being” First cleanse own heart, manage own family, govern the country, bring peace to the entire world.

DO NOT FEAR, DO NOT BE AFRAID Fear grips everyone For wider and practical ecumenism, there may be fear FEAR ……Face Everything And Run/Rise God will help, as it is His work

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Breaking Barriers Building Bridges

• Gnanaoli – All is there but no peace of mind • Peaceful

Th u o y ank