To launch the dialogue, Olivier Fleury, director of JC2033, asked the participants to summarize unity in one sentence. Catherine Riedlinger, former president of the Pastoral Council of the Catholic Church in Geneva, sees unity as “God's crazy plan and what is lived in the Trinity.” For Thierry Bourgeois, president of the Evangelical Network, it is “walking together and adapting to the rhythm of others.” Mina Hanna, priest of the Coptic Orthodox Church, considers it “a grace and a path to live together.” As for Frédéric Keller, pastor of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Vaud, he believes that “unity is received in gathering around Christ, listening to His Word and around His Cross.”
Memorable experiences of unity
Participants were invited to share a memorable experience of unity. F. Keller was struck by the sharing of faith journeys in the Francophone Christian Forum. It is not so much theological texts that build unity, but this sharing.
During his studies in Vancouver, T. Bourgeois was touched by the dialogue and common prayer of his professors.
The Joint Declaration on a Common Understanding of Christ between the Coptic Orthodox and Catholic Churches was an historic moment for Mr. Hanna.
C. Riedlinger was inspired by her encounter with the spirituality of the Focolare Movement. She took the Word of God seriously, put aside her ego and her desire to shine, in order to encounter others. She also understood that the key moment in Jesus' life is His cross, where He united us to His Father and to one another.
How important is unity on the journey towards 2033?
T. Bourgeois likes the idea of a journey. It is by working for unity today that we prepare for 2033. And for evangelicals, there is work to be done!
F. Keller compares the Resurrection to the Big Bang: an explosion of joy from a critical point, which is the empty tomb. Without it, our faith is in vain. Today, ethical issues are causing tensions, but we must remember that faith in the Resurrection is our fundamental identity and must transcend all other markers of identity.
For Mr. Hanna, if we go to the roots, we find common ground. The 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea this year reminds us that a tree needs roots to produce good fruit.
C. Riedlinger believes that this journey towards 2033 is inspired by the Holy Spirit, who calls us to move forward together to bear witness to the Risen One. It is an ecumenism of life in which everyone must be involved and serve their neighbor.
“We show Jesus by moving forward together.”
How do the participants in this round table understand this quote from Pope Francis? For C. Riedlinger, walking together is God's plan. If God has allowed divisions, it is in order to bring us together in a deeper unity. And this path consists in loving one another as Christ has loved us.
For T. Bourgeois, this quote echoes a theme from last year's Lausanne Movement gathering in Seoul, namely that it is together that we show who Christ is.
For F. Keller, witnessing and walking together is dynamic. Mission is not done by sitting in a chair; we must go out to others. There would be many more opportunities for joint missions.
Unity in 33 seconds!
In conclusion, Olivier Fleury invited the speakers to summarize their convictions about unity in 33 seconds. Let's hear what they have to say!
“In our de-Christianized society, the challenge is to be together for a heart-to-heart witness, like in a choir with many voices.” (F. Keller)
“Let us be open to those who express their faith in different ways!” (T. Bourgeois)
"Let us be open to all and witness to the presence of Christ in our midst! By walking together, we will give great joy to God.“ (C. Riedlinger)
”Let's put aside our pride and focus on what we have in common, while accepting our differences!" (M. Hanna)
Martin Hoegger
Photo caption: From left to right: Olivier Fleury, Mina Hanna, Catherine Riedlinger, Thierry Bourgeois, Frédéric Keller
