Ecumenical dialogue brings together Catholics, other faiths in Chattanooga
By Maggie Parsons
What began as two friends having conversations about their differing faith perspectives developed into a friendly ecumenical dialogue to share with their community through the love of God.
Four representatives of different faiths gathered on March 9 at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Newman Center to share those perspectives in front of an audience.
The Diocese of Knoxville Commission on Ecumenism and Pray Chattanooga co-sponsored the ecumenical dialogue program, which was moderated by Matt Everhart, networks director for Pray Chattanooga who also is pastor at Hope Fellowship in Chickamauga, Ga.
In a world where differing views can cause division, the dialogue seeks to be able to lead with the heart.
Tyler Ross, who took part in the program, is a canon lawyer for the Diocese of Knoxville who works with the diocesan Office of the Tribunal in Chattanooga. He enjoys being able to share his love for the Catholic faith.
“Part of our goal would be to model how to disagree charitably and help other people on their own enter into these conversations,” Mr. Ross said.
Adam Whitescarver, who also participated in the event, is the executive director of the nonprofit Christian organization Pray Chattanooga. Its mission is to support the community through involvement and resources leading with their Christian values. It is focused on unifying churches and believers across the greater Chattanooga area through corporate and private prayer, spiritual retreats, and community service.
“It’s building quality relationships between Protestants and Catholics for the purpose of reconciliation with one another (to whatever degree that is possible here and now). More than that, however, it is my hope that we can present a unified witness to Jesus Christ being the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” Mr. Whitescarver, who also is pastor of Red Bank Cumberland Presbyterian Church, remarked to the group.
Both men leading the dialogue, above all else, want to be examples of Christ’s life in hope of bringing others to Christ as He calls them to do.
Over the past two years, the dialogue has varied in topic as well as having featured guests on the dialogue board.
At the most recent dialogue, Sister Scholastica Niemann, a Dominican Sister who serves in the Diocese of Knoxville, discussed with Mr. Ross the Catholic view of celibacy. Another guest on the panel was the Rev. Philip Hanner, who serves as rector of the Anglican Church of the Redeemer in Chattanooga.
“I hope to just plant a seed and let the Lord provide growth. We shouldn’t underestimate the power of joyful witnesses. People who come to listen to the dialogue might not remember how amazing your argument was, but they might very well remember if you looked happy and joyful,” Sister Scholastica said.
One way the dialogue engages the community is the simplicity of being an example of a relationship founded in God.
The dialogue started with Mr. Ross and Mr. Whitescarver opening a chosen topic with statements, quotes, and information they have learned that align with their view. They asked each other questions on why they may hold a certain view on the topic or go further into a point.
“One of the things that I really enjoy the most is when people hear a truth of the faith articulated and being able to make those new connections,” Mr. Ross said.
The dialogue is effective in getting attendees to understand the very topic they are discussing, not just to hear the different faith perspectives. Those who attend get to hear the many details of each perspective that can be explained in each person’s view.
“A dialogue like this not only gives people a chance to share their ideas, but also a chance to refine, adjust, strengthen, or adapt their reasoning. It’s not about a soundbite or clever comeback, it is truly about deeper understanding, building stronger bonds of community,” Sister Scholastica said.
Through this dialogue, Mr. Ross and Mr. Whitescarver model how communities with differing views on faith can discuss difficult topics respectfully. During the process, they discover much about their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and are better able to connect through deeper conversations.
After they complete their points on a chosen topic of the dialogue, they open the floor to questions on the topic and encourage group discussions. This gives those in the audience a chance to share their thoughts and likewise hear what others are saying.
“I have never seen people listen to each other the way I observed people listening to each other. It was as if the entire audience realized ‘I’ve been misunderstanding these people my entire life and I need to learn something new now,’” Mr. Whitescarver said.
Through the ecumenical dialogue program, Mr. Ross and Mr. Whitescarver demonstrated the love the Lord gives to His people, calling them together. Through the dialogue, the participants are encouraged to grow closer to the Lord and His community of faith through His works, teachings, and examples.
“You never know where the Lord is going to lead you when you make all these connections,” Mr. Ross said.