Church House was host to Churches Together England’s National Ecumenical Officers’ (NEO) Gathering on 23 January.
Ecumenical representatives from the Church of England, Roman Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Baptist Union, Salvation Army, Lutheran Church and the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch attended the event in-person and were joined online from the Society of Friends (Quakers), Church of Scotland and the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The day-long gathering of ecumenical officers – which coincidentally took place this year during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – takes place bi-annually and was chaired by the United Reformed Church (URC’s) Revd Philip Brooks, Deputy General Secretary (Mission), and facilitated by Lindsey Brown, Mission Support Officer.
The day began with worship and prayer, led by Roo Stewart, Programme Officer for Church and Society, and URC representative for the Joint Public Issues Team.
Participants then openly shared some of the challenges of ecumenical working, but also the many opportunities and joys.
Lindsey said: “As the URC recommits itself to reinvigorating its ecumenical partnerships across the Church the meeting was a timely reminder of ‘how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity… for there the Lord bestows his blessing.’” (Psalm 133).
Philip added: “We were delighted to host the NEO gathering at Lumen Church and Church House. Our discussions were fruitful and friendly, reflecting the strong ecumenical bonds which exist across the diverse range of churches belonging to Churches Together in England.
“During the meeting we reflected on the URC’s 50th anniversary and the denomination’s continuing commitment to ecumenism, highlighted in the ecumenical resolutions passed by our Jubilee General Assembly.”