We invite you to read this summary in the hope that it will whet your appetite to read the whole St. Brigid Report, so named because it was completed on St. Brigid’s Day, February 1, 2009. The metaphor “drawing from the same well” captures the Dialogue’s recognition that it is the same grace of God that we see active in and through our two churches in the power of the Holy Spirit, nourishing us with the living water that is the Christ.
The Report is set up in such a way as to make it possible to dip into it rather than read it all the way through. You can draw a cupful or a bucketful according to your circumstances. Recommendations for future discussion and action are made at the end of each section. A complete list of these recommendations is included in the Report and is provided in this summary.
Integral to this Report are the stories that reveal God’s Spirit active in various ways across this nation, stories of co-operation and mutuality in mission. These inspiring stories are interspersed in boxes. You will also find quotations scattered through the Report from the reflections offered by our ecumenical partner and theological reflector, the Rev. Dr. Gordon Jensen (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada). His presence and insights were of enormous value.
Sections of the Report can easily be studied at different times by different groups or individuals who might then come together to pool their insights and findings, reflect upon the recommendations, and seek ways they might contribute to or follow up on the dialogue in their own context. Our churches also need to hear from you so that decisions can be made by the appropriate bodies of each about moving forward with this work. Your prayerful reflection and action will be essential.
The complete text will be available on the web sites of each church and for purchase at a later date.
