Efforts at unity

Glenmary Director of Ecumenism Nathan Smith says the exchange of testimonies is a powerful tool. That’s precisely why a group of Catholics, Baptists and Church of God leaders gathered this winter in Atlanta, Ga.

“What that does is kind of changes our perceptions of other Christians on almost a tacit level,” Smith said. “There cannot be ecumenism without a transformation of the heart.”

The gathering followed the model of the Global Christian Forum, a group of representatives from different Christian denominations who strive for unity.

“We had a few plenaries [larger discussions] and then we spent most of the day in small roundtable discussions ... and we worshiped together,” Smith said.

Ecumenism is important to the mission of Glenmary, he added. Catholics are a minority in Glenmary mission areas, and a high percentage of people do not affiliate with any church.