Home --> Programs --> Forum for Dialogue

Forum for Dialogue

Overview

Dialogue in and through an ecumenical body provides the opportunity to share perspectives on God’s truth, to overcome suspicions and prejudices, to develop mutual understanding and respect, to grow in trust and love, to find common grounds within our divisions, to appreciate the diversity of God’s gifts, and even to resolve some of our differences. 

Growing in understanding

Certain issues today — such as abortion, the Eucharist, the nature of authority and ministry — clearly divide, but precisely because they divide, they should be key items on the ecumenical agenda. Whatever separates Christian churches from one another, whether it be doctrinal or cultural, deserves serious consideration as part of the ecumenical agenda. The ecumenical mission is advanced only if we confront our differences in open and honest, even tense and frustrating, dialogue.

Dialogue does not mean a compromise or sacrifice of truth. It means, rather, the opportunity to grow in understanding the truth, and to grow in love despite disagreements about the truth. Dialogue is a means to reconciliation.

Dialogues between Christians and people of other faiths

The Massachusetts Council of Churches encourages dialogue not only among Christians and their churches, but also between Christians and people of other faiths. In addition to written resources which facilitate dialogue, the Council co-sponsors three continuous dialogues: 

• Jewish-Christian dialogue with the American Jewish Committee
• Muslim-Christian dialogue with the Islamic Council of New England
• "Liberal" - "evangelical" dialogue with Vision New England

NEWS OF NOTE:  The September 1-7, 2007 magazine "Economist" (page 53-54) includes the story "Constructing Conflict" the politics of mosque-building.  It includes the story of the Islamic Society of Boston noting the celebration of the June solidarity event as well as attributing the extension of Christian/Jewish dialogue to Muslims as a contributing factor to the resolution of the dispute in Boston mosque building.  We at the Council are appreciative knowing we have a role in bringing reconciliation where there are differences through three dialogue groups as a part of our ministry.

THE COMMISSION ON CHRISTIAN UNITY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

CCU is the faith and order commission of the council.  It enables the churches and other members "to seek to manifest ever more fully the work of reconciliation, renewal and unity in the faith," consistent with the statement of purpose and functions of the Council.  The CCU shall "nourish the growth of mutual understanding, respect, affection, and unity" among Christian Churches.

CCU is mindful of its historic mandate "for conducting studies in the area of its responsibilities; for conducting studies on issues which affect cooperation and unity among churches, including those on which there may be a substantial disagreement; for exploring new trends on the local and regional scenes..."

The CCU mandate is as follows:

1.  Study such questions as faith, order, and worship as bear on this task;

2.  Study the theological implications of the ecumenical movement and keep prominently before the churches the obligation to work toward Christian unity and human community;

3.  Pray for unity, and promote prayer for unity;

4.  Study matters in the current relationship among the churches in the Commonwealth that are causing difficulties, or that require theological clarification;

5.  Consider steps being taken by the churches toward koinonia (communion) in faith, life, and witness, and provide information about those steps;

6.  Respond to texts with ecumenical import developed in other settings;

7.  Bring to the attention of the churches in the Commonwealth, when appropriate and by appropriate means, the work of faith and order in local, national, and international settings.

Resources

View the following resources online:

Constructive Conflict in Ecumenical Contexts

Entering into Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue
Ecumenical Accountability
Odyssey Toward Unity

World Council of Churches Guidelines for dialogue

Order the following resources through the MCC office:

Video: "Councils of churches in an age of pluralism"