Christian unity was on display in Canberra during an ecumenical lunch for the leaders of the capital’s Christian communities. Source: Catholic Voice.
Held at Canberra-Goulburn Archbishop Christopher Prowse’s official residence on July 11, the archbishop noted it had become a “bit of a tradition.”
“We can go about our business in parallel lives, but to meet today around the table was a very Christ thing to do,” Archbishop Prowse said.
Reverend Belinda Groves of the Canberra Baptist Church agreed, noting there were many places around the world where people can’t sit around the table with their different backgrounds and views”.
“And yet we are joined by the love of Christ. That’s a wonderful thing to celebrate together.”
Pastor Stephen Dunn. of the Pentecostal Awaken Church, joining the gathering for the first time, said he was “blessed and humbled” to be able to attend.
Originally from Melbourne, he was surprised at the level of unity he experienced across the Christian churches in Canberra. “We’re just really encouraged by it. We love to see what God’s doing in our communities in our city.”
Jamie Van Heel, ACT Coordinator of Australia Prays, believed it was important to concentrate on what the Christian communities had in common rather than on “what separates us.”
“A lot of it is built on a relationship of trust,” he said, “Of understanding, we’re in the same boat.”
“As we move forward, Christianity and faith will be a contested issue in the community. We must have each other’s back because we stand for the same values and the same Saviour.”
FULL STORY
‘Blessed and Humbled’: Local leaders break bread for Christian unity (By Don Smith, Catholic Voice)