Introduction

Is coffee the key to Christian unity? During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Dr. Jon Nilson, professor emeritus of Theology, Loyola University Chicago joins Sister Beth Murphy for a conversation about ecumenism in light of the most recent synod’s “conversations in the Spirit” about the ways Christian unity can enrich Catholicism, lead to a more synodal church, and bring about deep healing in the Body of Christ. Coffee and other seemingly mundane things may be the key.

About our guests

Dr. Jon Nilson, theology professor emeritus from Loyola University Chicago, served for many years as consultant for the Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs office for the Archdiocese of Chicago and represented Catholicism as part of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Consultation in the United States, 1984 to 2007. 

Our host

Sister Beth Murphy, OP, is the communications director for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield and F.L.O.W.cast producer. 

Takeaways

• Ecumenism is an exchange of gifts. 
• Ecumenism was the goal of the Second Vatican Council. 
• Ecumenism happens at the grassroots first, or it will not happen at all.
• There can be no visible unity of the churches until the wound of racism is healed in the Body of Christ. 

Resources 

Ut Unum Sint. Pope John Paul II’s document on ecumenism 

Synod Final Document 

Second Vatican Council decree on ecumenism 

Podcast: Growing Strong in Faith: The interfaith experience in parochial schools