Ecumenism

 

SEAL 1-2Diocese of Eastern Michigan

Ministries Resource Center Directory (A Lending Library)

Subject: Ecumenism

Topic: Ecumenism/World Religions

 

 

Helpful Links:

                                                            National Council of Churches: www.ncccusa.org

 

 

                           The following items are located at the Diocesan Center, Saginaw:

Ministries Resource Center Home

Anglican/Episcopal Church

Christian Formation

Congregational/ Leadership Development

Ecumenism/Evangelism

Music and Worship

Peace & Justice Ministries

Bible/Prayer/Sacraments

Stewardship/Mission and Outreach

Youth

 

 

Ministry of the Baptized 

Clergy

Pastoral Care

Discernment

Congregational Development

Youth Leadership

 

Diocese of Eastern

Michigan Home

 

 

 Handbook of Denominations in the United States, 9th Edition – F Mead & S Hill, Abingdon Press; 1990

Includes all the denominations and their offshoots; each entry includes a brief history and the extent of the denomination. A handy reference tool.

 

Notebook: Handbook for Ecumenism – The Episcopal Church; revised 3/07

Describes the work and history of the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations and discusses some of the ecumenical dialogues that the Episcopal Church is or has been involved with over the years.

Make Us One with Christ – TEC and the United Methodist Church; 2006

This is a study of the dialogue between the Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church as they seek closer communion. A helpful way to understand both churches and their discussions

 

One Household, Many Hearts: A Study in Ecumenism – Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, 2000

This 4 session resource includes lessons for Adults, Youth, and Children, and at the end of each session, provides further resources. The sessions include: An Introduction to Ecumenism, A History of Ecumenism, Ecumenism Today, Ecumenism in Virginia; A final session talks about Confirmation and Ecumenism, and is primarily designed for adults and older youth. Permission to copy freely is given

 

Mansions of the Spirit – The Rt Rev Michael Ingham, Anglican Book Centre, Toronto Canada; 1997

Bishop Ingham has been involved with interfaith groups and events for many years and he gives a good picture of how we as Christians can act in a world full of many ways of believing. He begins with a brief history of the interfaith movement, talks about how faiths most commonly interact with each other, and then goes on to discuss the understandings that can make it possible for us to live together.

 

The View From Mars Hill – Charles B. Jones, Cowley Publications, Cambridge MA; 2005

Jones, a professor at Catholic University of America, is a specialist in East Asian religions and has had much contact with members of the other major world religions. In the first section he traces the history of Christianity vs these other religions and how people had reacted through the ages; the later section talks about how this influences how we look at other religions and the need to “balance” dialogue and mission (evangelism) among those not Christian. This book and Mansions of the Spirit work well together to give us a good understanding of ecumenism and dealing with diversity in today’s world.

 

 

World Religions:

American Bible Society, New York NY

Bible in Russian Language

New Testament in Japanese

 

The World’s Religions – Beaver et al; Lion Publishing, England; 1982

This book covers not only present day major religions but also has a section on the development of religions and their evolution through time. Many full color pictures, maps &charts, an index & dictionary. 

 

The Passover Celebration: A Haggadah for the Seder – Rabbi Leon Klenicki & Gabe Huck; 1980

This is the “script” for doing a Seder with information about the meal and the questions, stories, and actions that are a part of the entire celebration. It also includes words to songs that are appropriate along with some music and suggestions of hymns that are appropriate. A helpful understanding about the underlying themes of Jesus’ last supper.

 

How to Be a Perfect Stranger – S. M. Matlins & A. J. Magida, eds, Skylight Paths, Woodstock VT; 2006

Subtitled The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook, this book is designed to help you visit other churches and other religious ceremonies with understanding and appreciation for what is happening. It covers a variety of Christian and non-Christian faiths with information about the history & beliefs, the basic worship service, holy days and festivals, and other celebrations, and includes thoughts on what to wear and how to behave. Also included are contacts for further information. A truly helpful book if you’re invited to the wedding of a Hindu friend or a child’s Bar-Mitzvah, or any number of other unfamiliar religious situations.

 

The Christian Tradition – Smith and Bodin, eds, Argus Communications, Allen TX, 1978

Source book w/a collection of readings and glossary, Teacher Guide, and Copy Masters

The Jewish Tradition – Smith and Bodin, eds, Argus Communication, Allen TX, 1978

Source book w/a collection of readings and glossary, Teacher Guide, and Copy Masters

 

See also:

Christian Formation - Youth

Great Religions of the World - Sr. Loretta Postua, St Mary's Press; Winona WI

A presentation of the major religions of the world, divided by the region in which they began, and introduced by a discussion of the key elements of religion. Student book contains many color illustrations; teaching manual includes background information and activities.

 

The Hebrew Scriptures - St Mary's Press; Winona WI

A study of why the Old Testament is important to us, followed by discussion of the various parts of the Hebrew Scriptures (including the Apocrypha) Student guide and Teaching manual.

 

 

For more information or to borrow a particular item, contact Marnie Bash,

Coordinator, Ministries Resource Center: mpbash@ameritech.net or 989-839-9364.