The Washington Theological Consortium
The Bulletin
April-May 2000
WTC FACULTIES CONVOCATION TO CONSIDER EDUCATIONAL USES OF TECHNOLOGY
The fall Consortium Faculties' Convocation at Howard University Divinity School on Monday afternoon September 25 will consider the practical uses of technology for teaching and research. The deans and the Technology Committee of the Consortium plan an afternoon even which will feature a theologian who has become known nationally for speaking in clear and understandable language about the possibilities and pitfalls of technology use. His presentation will be followed by selection of workshops by Consortium faculty on their use of technology in classes and research.
The area group meeting and dinner which follow the workshops ill allow faculty further opportunities to discuss the implications of the technological revolution for theological education.
From the Executive Director
A column I wrote recently for Catholic News Service [appearing in late February and used with permission] addresses the spirituality of Interchurch Marriages. I would appreciate hearing your own reflections on this important topic.
--John W. Crossin, OSFS
ECUMENICAL SPIRITUALITY: ACCENT ON MARRIAGE
How might couples grow spiritually in interchurch marriages? In some ways, the answer to this question is that their spiritual growth is similar to that of same-church couples: pray for the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit; attend church each week; set aside time for daily prayer; and perform works of charity together in the community.
Such spiritual practices are important for all couples. We root our Christian life in the everyday virtues of daily living such as patience, civility, honesty, wisdom and justice.
Yet each person is unique. Each is specially called by God. Each is on earth for a specific purpose. Each has a specific life history. Thus a couple's everyday spirituality can be lived out in many different ways.
Interchurch couples have their own unique opportunities to grow together spiritually. They have unique talents and possibilities. And they have unique challenges as well.
Communication for couples--as for all good friends--is always important. Interfaith couples often have much to learn about each other's Christian faith tradition.
Learning not only includes the doctrine of the church. It also includes the personal practices which made that faith come alive in worship, in family life and in the community. All the understandings and emotions--both positive and negative--attached to these past particulars of Christian living need to be explored.
We live out of our hearts and our heads. Thoughts and feelings often manifest themselves as Christmas, Easter or other special days come around each year. These days present couples with opportunities for dialogue, discussion and prayer. They present opportunities to seek the guidance of the Spirit in the development of the couples' own ways of celebrating special feasts and events.
Unfortunately, such special occasions can also be opportunities to ignore differences of substance or style. Spouses or engaged couples may not want to risk upsetting each other. They sometimes submerge their differences by ignoring them. They prioritize work, recreation, or other activities rather than deal with differences.
This avoidance only creates a greater long-term risk for lack of unity. Differences need to be worked on rather than ignored.
Reducing religious practices creates later problems. The recent study of interchurch
marriages by the Center for Marriage and Family at Creighton University indicates that these couples are at greater risk for divorce than same-church couples, but participation in joint religious activities can help couples grow together. Today there are many opportunities--such as ecumenical bible studies or social action groups--for couples to live their Christian faiths together. The key here is to do more rather than to reduce religious practices and participation.
The study indicates that better marriage preparation can benefit interfaith couples. Good marriage preparation begins the process of learning from one another and building a common spiritual life.
Skilled clergy and lay leaders can help couples address questions arising from varied religious upbringing and education.
Recently, the institutions of the Washington Theological Consortium decided to offer an afternoon of practical pastoral reflections on the Creighton study. The response so far from local clergy and laity has been very positive.
This indicates to me that there is a deep desire on the part of Christian clergy and laity of all denominational backgrounds to assist couples to grow spiritually. We will gather in March to share how we might aid couples in their preparation and in their faith-filled living.
As interchurch marriage becomes more and more the norm, I believe that these couples can grow together spiritually. And they can bring their experiences to the ongoing search for Christian unity. Communion among the Christian churches will not grow by pretending differences don’t exist. It will grow by taking them seriously and exploring them forthrightly. Interfaith couples will provide valued insights into this process.
Focus on Students
PRAYING TOGETHER:
WTC Student Board Experience
Is our work for Christian unity a sharing in the one cup of Jesus and of other Christians? How is our unity in Christ for the "salvation of the world?"
The members of the Consortium Student Board recently prayed over these and similar questions. Members reported a rich spiritual experience as they limited their usual administrative and organizational concerns to 30 minutes and focused on shared prayer.
Jane Piver (VTS) recommended Henry Nouwen's Can You Drink This Cup? for reflection. Copies of the book and reflection questions were sent before the meeting. The small chapel at Dominican provided a quiet setting.
Greg Wiese (LTSG) organized the event with help from NaShieka Knight (HUSD). Dinner followed at the Dominican House.
Board Co-Chair Andrew Hofer (DOM) said afterward: "I enthusiastically recommend such ecumenical experiences of prayer to all students of the Consortium."
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