5/1/2003
To our brothers and sisters in the Greater Catholic community:
Perhaps you've heard of the Sursum Corda conferences: Old Catholic and Independent Catholic priests, bishops, and laypeople gathering as equals before God to share what they know, setting aside all differences and becoming friends. Perhaps you didn't believe it—the Old Catholic movement is not known for cooperation, let alone friendship.
Well, believe it.
When we first proposed Sursum Corda in 1999, we called it an "agape" because it was about sharing and cooperation, not authority and governance. We dared to set theology aside and hold a conference-not on intercommunion agreements, nor debating the sociopolitical paradoxes that divide us-but on the simple, practical challenges of building parishes and worthy ministries. No single jurisdiction hosts or controls Sursum Corda. In fact, our bylaws prohibit any bishop from chairing it.
It may take decades—or centuries—to sort out our theological differences, but in the meantime, there's a world out there full of people who need God, need the Sacraments, need help, need us. And that's what Sursum Corda is about: Helping one another do God's work here on this beautiful but imperfect Earth.
As in years past, we will have speakers from some of the largest and most successful independent jurisdictions, some of which have had thriving parishes for many years. Conference sessions will touch on parish building, fundraising, church music, the practical details of Catholic devotions, and much more, including several liturgies from different traditions.
But over and above the sessions and roundtables, Sursum Corda is an opportunity to meet others in the Old Catholic and Independent Catholic movement around the country, in a beautiful seminary setting with peaceful grounds, two chapels, and meals taken in community. There will be time to speak informally with others, time to attend Mass, time to pray, or simply time to be alone with your thoughts.
We hope you'll read the summary of conference sessions and events and considering joining us there, at Divine Word International Conference Center at Techny, Illinois, just north of Chicago. To do so, simply complete and return the enclosed registration form. You don't need to submit the conference fee now—you can pay on arrival.
This October, come to Chicago while we lift up our hearts in the spirit of agape, to see how we can help one another bring souls to Christ on the universal path of Catholicism.
