How to do Anglican Interfaith

From here:

The largest and oldest interfaith gathering in the world, this year’s parliament took place from Nov. 1-7 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The Toronto-based event brought together an estimated 10,000 people from 80 countries, spanning more than 200 different religions, faiths, and belief systems, for a week of programs, discussions, and interactive experiences.

The Anglican Church of Canada had an official booth in the exhibit hall, where clergy and volunteers were on hand to speak to attendees, and share information about the church national.

The Rev. Dr. Scott Sharman, Animator for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations in the Anglican Church of Canada was one of the official representatives on site.

Sharman described Canadian Anglican attendance at PoWR as a “ministry of presence” and a valuable opportunity to converse with people about “where Anglican expressions of Christianity fit within the wider world of inter-religious dialogue, and ways that we can find common ground.”

“Within our history, [there has] always been a tradition that has been able to find ways to live in dialogue across different approaches and different perspectives on theological issues,” Sharman said.

“That’s kind of been hardwired into Anglican DNA within the Anglican family. […] Certainly it’s important just because so many of the economic and political and social and ecological issues of our time deeply involve how people think about the world, and how people structure their communities and think about the meaning of life and make decisions. Religion is part of how that happens.”

Overheard later in the Anglican booth: “whatever you do, don’t mention Jesus. I did once, but I think I got away with it.”

6 thoughts on “How to do Anglican Interfaith

  1. “so many of the economic and political and social and ecological issues of our time”

    Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

    Am I right that the liberal line is that since Christ has already done the heavy lifting, died for the sins of the world, and redeemed the world, all is well, then? No need to evangelize? No need for a response of repentance and faith on behalf of “hearers” (who aren’t hearing because no one is preaching?)

    • You mention the liberal line whereas the correct term would be the apostate line. One can be liberal or conservative in the style of worship but the true Christian MUST be orthodox regardless of the style of worship.

    • Yes, that was good. Droll. A bit like Nicky Gumbel reading out the “God is leaving the CoE for Rome” article — a bit of a blow, but we’ll just have to carry on…

  2. “Within our history, [there has] always been a tradition that has been able to find ways to live in dialogue across different approaches and different perspectives on theological issues,” Sharman said.”

    No mention of litigating against them, tho.

    All humbug, really.

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