30th International Old Catholic Congress


The 30th International Old Catholic Congress will be held in Zurich from 9 – 13 August this year. The theme is “You shall go out with joy”, taken from Isaiah 55.12. Through this theme, the participants will explore an intriguing question: "How can a zest for life and humour be of potential benefit to our faith, our spirituality and our community?"

It is clear that the congress organisers hope to inspire a joyful vision for the church, to stimulate one's personal spirituality as well the life of church communities. The programme for the 5 days includes lectures, workshops, worship, recreation and excursions. It is geared for laity and clergy, and for all ages. The following main speakers, and the topics they will address are confirmed:
  • Bishop Dr Dirk Schoon (Netherlands): “The church as a Place of Joy – Yesterday and Today”
  • Henriette Crüwell (Germany): Does God Have a Sense of Humour?”
  • Bishop Dr John Okoro (Austria): “How Seriously Should I Take Life?”
  • The Revd Dr Michael Bangert (Switzerland): “Humour and Humility as the Basis for Christian Spirituality”
Anglicans have been in full communion with the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht since 1931, and are warmly invited to attend the Congress. I will be there as a member of our official Anglican-Old Catholic Co-ordinating Council. It would be very good to have a sizable group from our Diocese present so that we could share experiences of our fellowship with the Old Catholics. The Congress language is German, but translation is provided into English, French, Dutch, Polish, Czech and Italian.

There is a website for the Congress with full information here. A registration form can be completed online here.

Comments

  1. Archbishop Michael J. Hillis, D.D.9 June 2010 at 00:22

    Dear Friends,
    My grandparents were born and raised in Holland
    and immigrated to Holland, MI many years ago. They lived in Warfhuizen and worked in a boat
    factory there. Someday I hope to travel there to
    visit their birthplace. I am the Presiding Bishop for Reconciliation Old Catholic Church in
    Phoenix Arizona USA and am hoping we can begin a
    dialogue with our sisters and brothers in Holland
    as to unify our churches. My prayers are with
    all of you as you prepare to attend the 30th
    International Old Catholic Congress.
    Sincerely In Christ,
    +Michael J. Hillis, D.D.

    ReplyDelete

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