Bishop Shane joined fellow Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission (MERCIC) members in South Korea this week at their annual plenary session to explore the commonalities of the two Christian denominations and find new ways to witness the world through unity and shared mission.
MERCIC has been engaged in dialogue since 1967, breaking down misunderstandings and publishing several documents on the theological commonalities of both faiths and practical ways they can work together on shared values.
In a recent video Bishop Shane, as the Catholic Co-chair of the commission, said the Synod on Synodality and the forthcoming 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed will influence plenary discussions this year.
The Commission will update its seminal synthesis report ‘Together to Holiness’ which captured the learnings of MERCIC over the first 40 years, and build on the work of previous documents, by including more recent achievements; and suggestions for new ways for both churches to move forward together. This synthesis will be presented to both churches for reflection and action to foster broader Christian unity.
During their plenary, the sixteen MERCIC Members visited the Kwanglim Methodist Church and the (Catholic) Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine. Methodist Co-Chair Rev. Dr Edgardo Colón-Emeric said he was struck that, in both places, the Apostles Creed was confessed. “Methodists and Catholics throughout the centuries are united in this common faith,” he said. Affirming Pope Francis’ words at the 50th annual plenary of MERCIC, “We are, and we find ourselves to be, members of the household of God.”
Sr MarySylvia Nwachukuwe DDL shared that the commission is dedicated to overcoming barriers to full communion through prayer and discernment. “Full communion is a lofty goal,” she said. “The Holy Spirit is guiding us to recognise what unites us. God will lead us to this goal, and we believe it will happen.”
The sixteen-member commission consists of eight Catholics, appointed by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, and eight Methodists, appointed by the World Methodist Council. Bishop Shane has been a member since 2019 and the Catholic Co-Chair of MERCIC since 2022.
