Dr. Pope-Levison Attends the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission

In October 2014, SPU Professor of Theology Dr. Priscilla Pope-Levison attended the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission.

 

She shares with us a little of her experience:

 

"[Last month] in Assisi, Italy, I sat with five other Methodists and six Roman Catholics from around the globe discussing the theme of grace and holiness. This international dialogue began more than 40 years ago, after the Second Vatican Council in the mid-1960s opened the way to greater ecumenism. The dialogue teams meet in five year cycles, and each cycle is devoted to a specific theological issue. While I cherished immensely the opportunity to discuss theology with theologians and pastors from many different contexts, here's what struck me most -- the deep faith of every participant, the yearning for full communion between our churches, and the community we formed. Even though there are prejudices and misunderstandings on both sides, I left Assisi with a profound sense of optimism in Christian unity.”

 

At Seattle Pacific Seminary, we are “Genuinely Ecumenical,” believing that theological diversity grounded in historic orthodoxy and a common and vital faith in Christ enriches learning and bears witness to our Lord’s call for unity within the church.  With that in mind, we are inspired by Professor Pope-Levison’s experience at the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission, and the important ways this Commission has contributed to ecumenical dialogue between Methodist and Catholic leaders since 1967.