Last night's Churches Together in Oadby (CTO) meeting in the Barnabas Centre exceeded our expectations, with an amazing turnout leading to us running out of chairs.This third 'prayer and share' event focussed on the practicalities of the ways that our six churches celebrate Holy Communion (or Mass, Lord's Supper, Eucharist).
A speaker from each church gave a short presentation, in response to some questions that were devised before the meeting. The purpose of starting with these issues was to help understand the experience and practice of the churches from the perspective of the worshipper. Practical issues, such as what to do with any remaining bread and wine, reveal the deeper theologies which underpin our different approaches.
At times we laughed, at times we felt uneasy. I appreciated the courtesy and respect that was shown, and it was clear that we were handling sensitivities and precious, deeply-held convictions. For me, the great value of this event was the confirmation that the differences between us are not insubstantial, yet we have enough trust and confidence in each other to explore with patience, tolerance and good-humour. This was not a meeting for resolving things, but those of us who were present came away with deeper understanding of each other and, perhaps, ourselves.
