Nov. 9, 2009 issue
Praying together
By E. Eugene Herr Newton, Kan.As an early participant in Bridgefolk, a Roman Catholic/Anabaptist interchange, I am delighted with plans for a dialogue between Anabaptist and Eastern Orthodox scholars on “The Eucharist and Peacemaking” (Events & People, Oct. 26).
In Communion is a journal of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship edited by Jim and Nancy Forrest. Jim was a friend of Catholic writer Thomas Merton and now of Mennonite scholar Alan Kreider. An excellent product.
I would suggest that the planners of this Lancaster, Pa., area gathering consider holding a workshop on the Prayer of the Heart, also known as the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This prayer is widely used by the Eastern Orthodox churches and often referred to by Catholic writer Henri Nouwen. Using this prayer will be most helpful in our transformation as peacemakers.
Five years of meetings between Anabaptist and Roman Catholic scholars fathered understandings of peacemaking in profound ways for both groups. The goal of these dialogues is fraternal exchange, not converts.
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