The Church of Ireland Primate, Dr Robin Eames, has said the churches "must recognise that the world is growing impatient with many age-old divisions." Speaking at St Cronan's church in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, he said that in the context of the world's problems, "the niceties of denominationalism pale into insignificance."
Secularism, materialism, homelessness, the results of famine, a denial of basic human rights across the world and the crying needs of the poor, the oppressed, and the victims of injustice - all challenged the Christian to provide an answer to the crucial needs of this world, he said. He was "particularly pleased" to welcome to the service the Catholic Bishop of Killaloe, Bishop Willie Walsh, and Dom Colmcille O'Toole, the Abbot of Mount Saint Joseph, Roscrea, "both of whom are noted in this diocese and further afield for their warm ecumenical co-operation". Dr Eames was making his address in the prelude to the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which begins next Sunday.
"Irrespective of tradition, irrespective of denominational difference, irrespective of the niceties of theological or doctrinal debate, hearts and minds open to the prompting of Christ, hearts open to the Spirit of God and hearts prompted by the touch of Christ are the `children of God'," he said.
That was the key to much more than inter-church relationships, it was surely the key to the Christian pilgrimage itself. "I am a convinced ecumenist," he said. "As a bishop of the Church of Ireland I am also a convinced Anglican. My faith takes me to a point where I want to see the closest possible co-operation and understanding between divided Christendom and to see the way ahead as the blending of the great principles of each of our traditions."
But ecumenism must not be some sort of new denomination, he warned. That would be dangerous for all traditions. The real ecumenists were those who knew and understood their own church teaching while recognising clearly what was important and vital to their Christian neighbours.
"Our prayer this evening must be that the love and presence of the God and Father of us all will move his church and move His people forward with courage and integrity to seek His will. We can move into uncharted waters within the church and within our island home, if we have that spirit in our hearts. As we do so we will, perhaps without realising it, move closer to each other. What greater task can God give to His church at this time in Ireland?" he concluded.
