Rev. Evans Nyamadzawo Speaks at the Ecumenical Forum
On December 13, Russell Berrie Fellow Rev. Evans Nyamadzawo (Cohort XIV, Zimbabwe, Church of Christ) participated as a panelist in a webinar “The Vision Renewed: What is Our Ecumenical Future?” organized by the Anglican Centre in Rome. Together with other speakers from various Christian backgrounds (Church of England, Church of Greece, and Catholic Church) and different parts of the world (UK, Greece, Malta), Rev. Evans discussed the vision of our ecumenical future.
The ecumenical movement is one of the most remarkable phenomena in the religious life of the XX century, with fascinating roots and rich theological achievements. Rev. Evans believes that receptive ecumenism, which was propounded by Dr. Paul Murray, has become a key concept for the current life of interfaith relations. He adds, “The main aspect behind this vision is not the question “What do other traditions or churches need to learn from us?” but “What do we need to learn from them?”
Pope Francis said, “If we really believe in the abundantly free working of the Holy Spirit, we can learn so much from one another! It is not just about being better informed about others, but rather about reaping what the Spirit has sown in them, which is also meant to be a gift for us.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 246). Rev. Evans believes that such an approach assists in opening the doors and empowering the willingness to mutual understanding and learning from one another in various aspects.
During the webinar, Evans aptly emphasized, “Some of the priorities of the churches should be on the active involvement of the youth, cultural and practical ecumenism.” Sharing this position, Rev. Kirsty Borthwick highlighted the need for healing of memories; Theodora Mavridou mentioned the importance of the active involvement of women, and Dr. Dorianne Buttigieg encouraged the anthropological approach in contemporary ecumenism.
John Paul II Center is delighted to support Russell Berrie Fellows’ active participation in the ecumenical and interfaith fields on the international level during their studies at the Angelicum and after graduation as they become John Paul II Leaders!
