Nicolas Schnall from Augsburg Diocese Press Office reports on the 40th Ecumenical Meeting of Bishops Friends of the Focolare Movement.
“International Bishops Gather for Ecumenical Dialogue at Focolare Movement’s 40th Bishops’ Meeting”
In a truly global and ecumenical gathering, 60 bishops from 26 nations and representing 30 denominations convened in Augsburg, Germany, from 27th February -1st March, for the 40th Bishops’ Meeting of the Focolare Movement. The event showcased a commitment to fostering unity and understanding among diverse Christian traditions and took on particular importance as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Lutheran-Catholic “Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification”. Ireland was represented by: Bishop Brendan Leahy, emeritus Bishop Trevor Williams, Archbishop John McDowell, emeritus Archbishop Richard Clarke, Bishop Sarah Groves. Focolare’s President, Margaret Karram and Co-President Jesus Moran, also attended.
Theme: “Dare to Be One”
The meeting, themed “Dare to Unite,” focused on building bridges across different faiths and denominations. The Bishops participated in a “listening school of faith,” emphasizing the importance of active listening across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Bishop Bertram Meier, Bishop of Augsburg, reflecting on the gathering, urged participants to view differences not as threats but as opportunities for mutual enrichment.
Ecumenism of Love
The event embraced Pope Francis’s vision of an “ecumenism of love,” emphasizing the power of love in fostering unity. Bishop Brendan Leahy highlighted the concept of a “dialogue of life,” where shared experiences, joys, sorrows, and hardships contribute to a deeper understanding among believers. The meeting aimed to promote love and understanding while respecting the distinctiveness of each denomination.
Ecumenical Imperatives
Bishop Brendan outlined four ecumenical imperatives for the assembly: taking the initiative to connect with others, recognizing the seeds of resurrection in challenges, understanding difficulties as starting points for unity, and embracing love in the present moment. The program included spiritual insights from the Focolare Movement, panel discussions, testimonials from various countries, and liturgical celebrations representing diverse Christian traditions.
A Call for Church Renewal
Reflecting on the need for church renewal, Bishop Bertram emphasized the importance of moving forward, not backward, in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. He stressed that salvation lies in the future, calling for a reform that centres around Christ. Acknowledging the indispensable role of laypeople in the church, he called for a “spirituality of communion” characterized by cooperation and acceptance.
Focolare Movement: A Catalyst for Unity
The Focolare Movement, originating in 1943 in Trento, has become a beacon of unity across the Christian world. With a presence in over 180 countries and approximately 140,000 members, the movement bridges denominational gaps, connecting Christians from 350 different churches and even believers from non-Christian religions.
Legacy of Bishops’ Meetings
Since 1977, bishops close to the Focolare Movement have convened to share spiritual insights and engage in fraternal encounters. Inspired by the spirituality of the movement, these meetings seek to make the “spirituality of communion” a cornerstone of the Christian community’s life, echoing the vision set by Pope John Paul II.
In a world marked by diversity, the 40th Bishops’ Meeting of the Focolare Movement stands as a testament to the power of dialogue, love, and understanding in fostering unity among Christians worldwide.
Source: https://bistum-augsburg.de/Nachrichten/Eine-Oekumene-der-Liebe-leben_id_0
