I write this on the Feast of the Epiphany, which is the celebration of the birth of Christ “epiphanied” –manifested – to the Gentiles. One of the themes of this celebration could be stated as “bringing in the outsiders.” Over the centuries prior to Christ’s birthGod had spoken to the descendants of Sarah and Abraham […]
About Andrew Leahy
On the Way: Vision for Ecumenism
In 1983 in Vancouver, the Assembly of the World Council of Churches articulated a “eucharistic” vision which …unites our two profoundest ecumenical concerns: the unity and renewal of the church and the healing and destiny of the human community. Church unity is vital to the health of the church and to the future of the […]
“With the Greatest Reverence”: Lutheran and Roman Catholic Worship
Our churches are falsely accused of abolishing the Mass. Actually, the Mass is retained among us and is celebrated with the greatest reverence. (Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV) The liturgy is about to begin. The congregation stands as the processional cross leads the ministers down the center aisle. People bow as the cross passes. After the […]
Refreshing the Hearts of the Saints: What Makes the Lamp Shine? Igniting and Fanning the Flame of Faith
Refreshing the Hearts of the Saints Saturday, March 24, 2001 Marva J. Dawn Theologian, Author, Educator with “Christians Equipped for Ministry” Adjunct Professor of Spiritual Theology, Regent College Reported by Andrew Leahy This was the second time I had heard Marva Dawn speak. My reaction was the same as the first time. Based on the […]
Implications of “Called to Common Mission” – A Personal Reflection
Every Thursday morning I get out my Book of Common Prayer and prepare to preside at mass at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Chicago Heights. This would not be unusual except that I am Pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Chicago Heights. I can do this because of “Called to Common Mission,” the […]
A Place for the Means of Grace
Have you ever sat in your church building and day-dreamed about how you would redesign the layout, if money was no object? Okay; maybe you haven’t, but I have. The proposed statement on the practice of Word and Sacrament stirred my imagination sitting in church one day. I began to imagine what the house of […]
What Do We Do Next?
We have all read that in the history of Christianity congregations and even denominations have come and gone. When this is just a discussion about history that’s fine. But when it is about my congregation I don’t want to hear pious, calm discussion about history. Whether I am the person in the pew or the […]
What is Essential for Unity?
I have a question for our readers’ consideration. What does it mean to be a Lutheran in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church? The Augsburg Confession, Article 7, states: “…it is enough for the true unity of the church to agree concerning the teaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments. It […]