The International
Lutheran-Episcopal
Society

September 11 - 15

This conference was the most far-reaching we have enjoyed thus far. Participants from India, Namibia, Belgium, Germany, Norway, England, Tanzania, Sweden, Russia, the United States, and Finland came to this place to share stories and learn from one another.

A theme which ran through more than one presentation was the need for overt attention to unity and forgiveness in our churches. This is a word our American churches sorely need to hear.

The context for this call for compassion and forgiveness was the aftermath of the release of documents which revealed the compliance of church leaders of Eastern Europe with the secret police. This knowledge of what seemed to be betrayal could tear communities apart. Our speakers called for caution and rest in God. We do not know the motives, the thinking, or the heart of these people. It is always easy to label and decry. It's much harder to keep conversation open and to listen with forgiveness.

As our churches struggle with issues of ethics along with theology and ecclesiology, it is important for us to remember what we have learned as ecumenists. It is possible to recognize Christ in one another even if we believe differently. It is possible to claim kinship in Christ even though our approaches take us down different paths. It is possible to rejoice that we are reconciled, in our diversity, and live our lives as Christians witnessing to the truth that faithfulness does not require uniformity.

Laura Lincoln, National Coordinator, ILES

Friday September 11

Rev. Dr. Jaakko Rusama

Rev. Dr. Kimmo Kaariainen : Introduction to Finland and church life in Finland

St. Mary's Church

Fyyrkantii (folk dance and folk music group)

Saturday September 12

Prof. Dr. Tibor Fabiny: Discretions and Valour- theologies of church leadership in the Lutheran Church of Hungary during Communism

Cruise in Tuku Archipelago on the steamer "Ukkopekka"

Visit to Naantali Parish Church, 15^th Century Bridgettine Convent Church

Mannerlahti in Masku, and presentation by Rev. Aino Visti, vicar of Masku Church

Prof. Antti Raunio: Towards church unity: Martin Luther reinterpreted

Sunday September 13

Groups - Keeping Connected: experiences from different regions

            Bishop Jana Jeruma-Grinberga (UK)

            Laura Lincoln (USA)

            Lennart Sjostrom (Sweden)

            Lena Bondarenko (Russia)

            Rev. Sekar Daniel, Rev. Augusty Gnana Gandhi (India)

Worship with Swedish-speaking congregation at Turku (Abo), sermon by Bishop Erik Vikstrom, celebrant - Rev. Eero Sepponen

Mission Lunch at Church Hall Aurelia

Bishop Matti Repo: Episcopal Ministry and the Diversity of Charisms: the pneumatological dimension in Anglican-Lutheran Agreements

Monday September 14

Rev. Dr. Risto Lehtonen: Ecumenical Visions- Personal Reflections from past to present (1932-2009)

Rev. Dr. Mika Pajunen: Identity and Change - Anglican/Lutheran cooperation in Finland

And Dr. Mitzi Budde: Called to Common Mission - an American process