One of my favorite writers is Parker Palmer.  While re-reading one of his chapters in To Know As We Are Known, a particular phrase struck me as particularly reflective of my experiences as I continue to travel around the state.  Palmer states, “truth is between us, in relationship, to be found in the dialogue of knowers and knowns…” We well realize that for us in the Christian fellowship, the Church, Truth is a person, the person of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, Our Lord is in our dialogue, our relationships of knowing and interacting with each other.

As we become more open and receptive to each other, the closer Christ comes to us. There has been a shift of the model of ecumenical action and we in Texas can and must be on the cutting edge of this shift.  Over the next few months, we will engage in conversations centering on how we as communities, churches and individuals can better engage our fellow Christians.  This conversation began at last year’s CJL/BOD Retreat.  Our leadership explored the far-reaching and stimulating Princeton Proposal for Christian Unity, In One Body Through the Cross.  Some members of our leadership remarked that the discussion, which was generated from this little book, was among the most thought-provoking in years.   

We will continue along this road of discovery at our Faith and Order Conference in November.  It is laudable that the Commission on Christian Unity and Interfaith Relations chose to focus the Faith and Order Conference on this essential work.  The Conference will be keynoted be Professor R.R. Reno, a member of the study group and a signatory to the proposal.  So that we better understand the proposal, each registrant will receive the text ahead of time; this will enrich interaction during small group discussions. Facilitating our exploration will be Bishop Mark Herbener, while Dr. Reno will be available as a resource.

Why am I writing about this event in May?  The answer is extremely simple.  I am not only strongly encouraging you to attend, but more significantly asking each of you to make it a mission to bring your friends and others in your congregations.  TCC must be an outreach ministry!  Ecumenical ministry belongs to all, not only us, especially if we are to incarnate the wish of Our Lord “that we may all be one”.