A New Light:The Ecumenical Catholic Communion
by Dean C. Jones, Ph.D.
Chapter 1
Wanted: a Church that listens ---new hope in the mountain state of Colorado
Introduction
O God who dwells within me---Soar!
Break forth from narrow spaces---Fly!
Emerge from darkness---Shine!
Teach me how to fly!
To gather under your wing
To nurture
To call forth
To send!
Awaken me to third alternatives..
To both/and
To possibilities
And opportunities.
Give me vision.
Help me to see.
Dance me, O Lord of the Dance!
The words above were penned by Mother Kae Madden, a priest ordained in the Ecumenical Catholic Communion (ECC). Carved in stone centuries ago or painted effortlessly on white paper today by a laser jet printer, words are most important when they resonate with personal belief and experience. In common usage, words can be misunderstood as they become surrounded with misleading meaning.
At the beginning of this journey it is important to hold up two issues that are paramount for the ECC. Teri Thompson, one of the first co-chairs of the House of Laity for the Communion, is emphatic about the high relevance of an appropriate understanding of the term Catholic and the significance of the unique form of polity found at the ECC. As Teri reminds us, "... the Roman Catholic Church does not own the term Catholic." It dates back to before the era of the power of the Church at Rome. Although a new entity with a Constitution dating only to 2003, the ECC has firm and proud roots in the long legacy of Catholicism. The same is true for other demonstrations of this tradition: all are Catholic. In terms of polity, the ECC makes bold assertions that laity and clergy together make policy and administrative decisions. All communities and individuals in the Communion have a voice. This pattern is not found in all Independent Catholic Churches. And it is another way to draw a visible line between the ECC and the Church of Rome. In the pages of this book you will find many references to both a more inclusive use of the term Catholic and the practical expressions of a form of governance which is not from the top down.
At the end of this book I list local congregations of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion, plus the national office, with appropriate web site information. You may wish to turn to this list for more recent information or possible contacts in your part of the country, or you may turn to some other demonstration of non-Roman Catholicism. This chapter welcomes you to one of the communities of the ECC, the Light of Christ Ecumenical Catholic Communion in Longmont, Colorado. This community, meeting at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1000 West 15th in Longmont, can be introduced best by referring to an attractive tri-fold brochure. In bleak print on crisp white paper with bold red highlights, this brochure asks questions and gives answers. It begins with the invitation, "Do You Ever Find Yourself Looking for a New Church?" The brochure continues with the following:
* Where your heart can be at home and your conscience at peace?
* That follows Christ's primary teachings of unconditional love, forgiveness, and acceptance?
* That recognizes the dignity of all persons?
Bold letters spread across all three inside folds of this brochure ask: HOW ABOUT A PLACE WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME? Three major areas are highlighted: "What Catholic traditions does Light of Christ follow?" "What does it mean to be "Ecumenical?" and "Who holds the power at Light of Christ?" The answers to these questions follow in the brochure:
*We follow the teachings and person of Jesus Christ as we preach the Catholic sacramental, liturgical and apostolic succession traditions.
*Light of Christ repects all religious traditions as paths to holiness, spirituality and God. All are welcome at our Eucharistic table.
* By virtue of our baptism, we believe tht all are called to leadership and ministry. Our decision making body is the lay ministry council. The Pastor is an equal member.
One inside panel of this tri-fold highlights key differences between Light of Christ and the Roman Catholic Church. Light of Christ differs in that:
- Women may be ordained and clergy may be married.
- Gay, lesbian, and transgendered individuals are welcome.
- Family planning issues are a matter of conscience.
- Annulments are not required.
- Power is centered in lay and clergy collaborations.
The brochure goes on to describe Light of Christ as "A growing, vibrant community of over 300 people drawn from a geographic area of forty miles, offering a full range of opportunities and resources for spiritual growth."
The next three paragraphs give a brief review of selected historical background. This is important particularly for those coming into some community of the ECC from a long relationship with the Roman Catholic Church. It is important to highlight the fact that the ECC is not some kind of unusual phenomenon with no ties to the on-going work of God in terms of Church. The opening statements above set the tone for this. The next chapter will give considerably more historical material. Volumes have been written about the Church over the years. Some of this reading is very dull. The unique appeal of this publication is that it gives flesh and blood to what is happening NOW. In the long march of the Kingdom of God the happenings in a specific city today, as well as ancient, historical events, are very important.
How to Order this Book
A NEW LIGHT: The Ecumenical Catholic Communion
Dean C. Jones, Ph.D.
158 pgs, $17.00, soft coverISBN:9780891576602