News: Report of the Porvoo Communion Church Leaders Conference: Forty–five church leaders from The Porvoo Communion of Churches met in York on 17–19 September 2014, and received the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad and the Lutheran Church in Great Britain as new member churches of the Porvoo Communion. The co–chairs of the Porvoo Contact Group, the Most Revd Michael Jackson (Church of Ireland) and Bishop Peter Skov–Jakobsen (Church of Denmark) welcomed participants and introduced the theme ‘Towards greater unity and closer fellowship’. Most of the sessions were held at Bishopthorpe Palace, office and home of the Archbishop of York, The Most Revd Dr John Sentamu, who greeted the church leaders and took part in the deliberations. Bible studies were led by Bishop Helga Haugland Byfuglien of the Church of Norway and by Archbishop John Sentamu. The group openly shared different viewpoints, hopes and aspirations for the future of the churches and their life in communion together. The co–chairs presented introductory reflections related to the theme, which were followed by presentations from participants on communicating the gospel in today’s world; leadership as servant hood and Christian witness; religious freedom and human rights; and engaging young people in the church. The presentations focused on the Porvoo context and led to extensive discussion and further input. The meeting affirmed: – The role of servant hood, leadership and discipleship in authentic Christian witness, with a special focus on the current situation in Europe – The need to provide space and opportunities for prayer, spiritual expression and pilgrimage – The need for a refreshed emphasis in mission as a way of life with and in the community – The importance of including young people emphasising their visible and active role in the life of the Communion – The important contribution of majority and minority churches in the Porvoo Communion of Churches Based on the discussions, the church leaders agreed a work plan for the next four years. Participants attended Evensong at York Minster each day and the meeting concluded on the 19th of September with a celebration of Holy Communion, at which the Most Revd Dr Antje Jackelén preached (Church of Sweden) and the Most Revd Dr John Sentamu presided (Church of England). During the celebration, the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad and the Lutheran Church in Great Britain signed the Porvoo Declaration. Those who signed were Archbishop Elmars Ernsts Rozitis (Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad) and Bishop Martin Lind (Lutheran Church in Great Britain). The two churches were welcomed as the newest members of the Porvoo Communion. The Church of Ireland was represented by: Mr Adrian Clements, Chief Officer and Secretary of the Representative Church Body The Ven. Helene T. Steed, member of the Porvoo contact group The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Anglican Co–chair of the Porvoo contact group Photographs: ©The Office of the Archbishop of York --- For further information please contact: Church of Ireland Press Office Church of Ireland House 61–67 Donegall Street Belfast BT1 2QH Tel: (028) 9082 8880 (from NI) Tel: (048) 9082 8880 (from RoI) Fax (028) 9032 3554 E–mail: Press Office Paul Harron: (duty phone) +44 (0)7787 881582 Janet Maxwell: (duty phone) +353 (0) 87 948 4412 ireland.anglican.org/news
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:01:38 +0000
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