Interim Director's Message
by: Dr. Dianna Wright

It has been rewarding serving you in the Office of Ecclesial and Ecumenical Relations. I have spent a great deal of time digging and researching through papers, phone conversations, and meetings to gain the fullness of the work that has occurred over the last thirty years. I’ve discovered a deep and rich well that connects and relates this office to nearly all agencies of the church and beyond.
Beyond our commitments to other conciliar bodies, this office has given shape and voice to mission and ministries that are connected to your work in the local church that is happening all around the world.
 
At the end of September, the General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations (GACEIR) held its fall meeting and consultation at Stony Point Center. The committee of sixteen gathered with PC(USA) staff, our full communion partners and thirty other religious leaders representing our church and the ecumenical community to give direction to our mandate from the General Assembly. We looked at the current ecumenical landscape in the United States and heard a word about how our context touches the work, lives, and ministry of people here and in other parts of the world. We gathered with the goal to discern how our future commitment to ecumenism will be relevant, bold, and life-giving in today’s context.

It is important that we discern ways the Church can, at all levels, manifest more visibly the unity of the Body of Christ. We seek to create right relevant relationships, not only with those with whom we have formal and informal relationships, but with the other denominations, agencies, and faith traditions in our local communities and around the world.  We are looking especially for those opportunities to do God’s work together that celebrates our similarities and that creates space for our ecclesial and religious differences to enrich us.
There are many things happening that you can participate in that will enrich our witness. We have resources and staff that can assist you as you consider joining us on this journey. We welcome your continued engagement and support.

Thank you for your witness and ministry to the world through your commitment to our church and your partnerships with other communions and agencies that touch the lives of God’s people everywhere in life-giving ways.

From Evie's Desk,
Manager of Ecumenical Relations

The Eugene Carson Blake Scholarship 2020-2021 is now open!

Apply Today —The Deadline Is November 30

Is there great ecumenical or interfaith work happening in your community?

It is time to nominate a ministry for the 2020 Ecumenical and Interreligious Service Recognition Award - Deadline: November 30, 2019

• Learn about the service award
• Nominate now

Upcoming Ecumenical Events