You might think that the Pentecostal and Charismatic churches had little in common with the Orthodox Eastern and Oriental churches. However, for many years now, Churches Together in England has supported these traditions to come together for fellowship, the deepening of relationships and building mutual understanding. Last year we were hosted by Archbishop Angaelos at St Andrew by the Wardrobe in the City of London. It therefore seemed fitting that the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) should return the compliment and host the gathering at their headquarters in Stevenage. Since the Coptic Orthodox Church Cathedral is also in Stevenage, it certainly made for an easy journey for former CTE President Archbishop Angaelos, who has been so instrumental in bringing the traditions together over the years.
RCCG hospitality is always generous! Ecumenical representatives were treated to a seafood platter and delicious nibbles to start followed by Nigerian Grilled Chicken or Beef Stew with Jollof Rice. Fellowship around the food table was as rich as the talks from the various traditions.
Archbishop Angaelos (Coptic Orthodox Church) and Richard Bradbury (Ground Level Network, a charismatic movement) opened the gathering, welcoming guests from the two traditions. We then had contributions from Pastor David Whyte from the Wesleyan Holiness Church representing the Pentecostals; Father Andreas Minic representing the Greek Orthodox Church; Paul Bedford from Ground Level representing the Charismatic churches, and Archbishop Angaelos representing the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
It was a wonderfully rich time as the respective church leaders expounded the distinctives of each tradition. Paul Bedford’s candour about the journey the charismatic movement had been on to embrace a more ethnically diverse church, particularly in a North of England context, was a highlight of the evening for me.
We were hugely grateful to Pastor Modupe Afolabi, the Continental Executive Pastor for the RCCG, for emphasising the importance of this ongoing ecumenical relationship and her reaffirming RCCG’s ongoing commitment to facilitate this gathering of key leaders.
We all left enriched and reflecting that we need to come together more often.