This is how Receptive Ecumenism was described on this website when the Programme was launched at the end of 2007:-
What is Receptive Ecumenism?
Key idea: that the primary ecumenical responsibility is to ask not "What do the other traditions first need to learn from us?" but "What do we need to learn from them?"
Key need: to develop this thinking in practice on the ground in all expressions of Church life.The basic plan: an examination of our various Church practices in relation to ordained ministry, lay formation, modes of decision making and finance.
Who? Key players in Church life, specialists in theology and religion, management and finance, and most importantly YOU.
What is being asked of you? Prayers; suggestions for case-studies, key issues and people; raising awareness; and thinking about how you might help.F
Four years on, a lot of work has been undertaken, and now is the opportunity to discover what the research is saying to us.
An invitation is extended to all who are involved in the life of our churches to meet with the research team at St James's URC, Newcastle on Thursday 15th December from 10.30 am to 3.00 pm.
Synod moderator Rowena Francis writes
Northern Synod is a partner in the Receptive Ecumenism Project at Durham University both financially and through surveys, interviews and case studies. The whole ethos of receptive ecumenism is to help churches look at what they need to receive from the other in order to become more like Christ. By the results of what has been found out about Northern Synod and the URC we will hopefully be able to learn about what we do well and what we could receive from others.
There are three strands
- governance and finance that the Trust covers
- learning and formation that Ministries and Training covers
- leadership and ministry that pastoral covers.
On December 15th the research team including Dr Paul Murray will present to the Synod the findings in regard to the URC. This will enable us to receive from other denominations so that we might learn and grow into being more faithful and effective as church.
Lunch will be provided. It is hoped that some members of each synod committee will be present for when discussion focusing on each of the strands takes place.
Please let Synod Office know whether you can be there or not for catering purposes.