Just peachy!

[Lost Squirrel]

So I get really excited for a forum discussion on our Lutheran-Catholic Covenant. I don't really understand the local history which sparked this (however I do know there is one), so I figure this will be a great opportunity to sit back and enjoy the varying perspectives from lay leaders and clergy of both sides on an array of issues. It sounds intriguing, and is scheduled for one night a week for a little over a month. I thought an event like this would have a pretty good turnout, especially since one of the more prominent churches is hosting. Ah, no. Looks like I am going to be the sole Lutheran (save the one Lutheran pastor co-presenter) in the bunch. Well, I still look forward to a few evenings of prayer and hopefully I may offer something of value from the this side. Lutheran - Catholic Covenant Commission Curiosity got me, now what exactly have I walked into?! Lol!!

 

[doulos_tou_kuriou]

Round up a Lutheran Posse!

 

[AngCath]

I agree, get a posse. Posses are always fun!

 

[Lost Squirrel]

Considering I am the only one that had interest AND time, I could wrangle up no posse. Our pastor is on vacation, and I didn't get a chance to invite her before she left. Eh.
It looks to have fruitful discussion. It anything, it is an excellent exercise to me to force myself into not only looking at the positive ecumenicism between both groups, but also articulating them, rather than dwelling upon differences. We went over 15 minutes, so fellowship is surprisingly good. And it is a diverse group, including two Catholic DREs, a man on an exploratory faith journey, and a couple who considers themselves "ecumenical Christian", despite the fact that he has been a Catholic educator for 40 years.
Right now, we are discussing the structural differences in the synod and diocese. Amazing what the misunderstandings are in that area alone! One of the Catholic DRE is a former LC-MS, and she had no idea how different they were from ELCA - not just structure, but many other things.
It feels very basic now, and I'm not sure how in-depth we will eventually go, but I don't know if that is even necessary. Just getting folks aware of the similarities alone is going to be the key outcome.
It's interesting. Our congregation is very Catholic in tradition, we are made up of a HUGE percentage of former Catholics and they prefer to retain that feel as opposed to the other Lutheran church down the street which shuns any values or traditions resembling Catholicism in nature. I am feeling very blessed to be able to bring insight of my observations of some cultural values and norms into the discussion. Plus, the forum is held at the Catholic church in which I grew up, from baptism to confirmation (although not a single name is familiar now).