Celebrating 50 years of Methodist-Catholic dialogue

A delegation of Methodists, including representatives from the World Methodist Council and the Methodist Ecumenical Office in Rome, met with Pope Francis to celebrate 50 years of Methodist-Catholic dialogue, marking the formation of the Joint International Methodist-Catholic Dialogue Commission in 1967.

Pope Francis said at the event: "True dialogue gives us the courage to encounter one another in humility and sincerity, in an effort to learn from one another, and in a spirit of honesty and integrity.

"We are brothers and sisters who, following a long separation, are happy once more to see and learn about one another, and to move forward with open hearts.

"So let us advance together, knowing that our journey is blessed by the lord."

Bishop Ivan Abrahams, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council, also spoke at the event, delivering this address. 

Reflecting on the event, Bishop Abrahams said to the World Methodist Council news: "We are grateful for the foundation which has been laid to further our conversations toward unity as one body in Christ. Pope Francis stated in his address that we must 'remain together, like the disciples awaiting the Spirit, and as brothers and sisters on a shared journey.' On this journey, we hope to strengthen and encourage one another, and most importantly, learn from each other." 

Further reports can be found online here:  worldmethodistcouncil.org/resources/ecumenical-dialogues

Pope Francis meets Bishop Ivan Abrahams, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council

Photo: Radio Vaticana