Office of Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs

4000 Saint Joseph's Pl. NW
Albuquerque, NM
87120-1714

If you missed the featured speakers at the Commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Conference on the Fruits of the Catholic-Lutheran Dialogue, you’re in luck!  Click below to watch.

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Francis Urges All Christians to Follow Holy Spirit’s Prompting
June/July 2024
Senior prelates of the Anglican Communion met in Rome last week and had an audience with Pope Francis. He reflected on ecumenical work in the light of Easter readings from the Acts of the Apostles, whose author “does not conceal moments of tension and misunderstanding, often born of the frailty of the disciples, or different approaches to the relationship with past tradition”. He said that prayer and listening were essential to the Early Church, meaning Christians today should be “asking ourselves, before enquiring of others, whether we have been docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, or prey to our own personal or group opinions”. Pope Francis also considered the place of the papacy in ecumenical discussions. “I realize that the role of the Bishop of Rome is still a controversial and divisive issue among Christians,” he said, while emphasizing ideas of the Pope as “one who serves” (Luke 22: 27) expounded by Gregory the Great and St. John Paul II. Ecumenical dialogue “strives to understand how the Petrine ministry can develop as a service of love for all”, he said, suggesting that the Synod on Synodality could contribute to this through “deeper study of the link between synodality and primacy at various levels”. “I pray that a better understanding of the role of the Bishop of Rome will be among the fruits of the Synod,” Francis said. (Tablet, May 11, 2024)

On the Road Towards Christian Unity # 1
February 2024
(Over the next few months, we will present the results of the Synodal Assembly of October 2023 on Ecumenism.)
The following convergence statements were approved by two-thirds of the delegates. This session of the Synodal Assembly opened with a profound ecumenical gesture. The "Together" prayer vigil saw the presence of numerous other leaders and representatives of different Christian communions alongside Pope Francis, a clear and credible sign of the will to walk together in the spirit of unity of faith and exchange of gifts. This highly significant event also allowed us to recognize that we are in an ecumenical kairos and to reaffirm that what unites us is greater than what divides us. For in common, we have "one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, among all and in all" (Eph. 4:5-6). Baptism, which is at the root of the principle of synodality, also constitutes the foundation of ecumenism. Through it, all Christians participate in the sensus fidei, and for this reason, they should be listened to carefully, regardless of their tradition, as the Synod Assembly did in its discernment process. There can be no synodality without an ecumenical dimension.

What Does the “Synod for Synodality” Have To Do With Ecumenism?
 November 2023
All the Final Synodal Documents of the Continental Assemblies highlight the close relationship between synodality and ecumenism. Some have devoted entire chapters to it. Indeed, both synodality and ecumenism are rooted in the baptismal dignity of the entire People of God. Together, they invite renewed commitment to the vision of a missionary synodal Church. They are processes of listening and dialogue and invite us to grow in a communion that is not uniformity but unity in legitimate diversity. They highlight the need for a spirit of co-responsibility since our decisions and actions at different levels affect all members of the Body of Christ. They are spiritual processes of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation in a dialogue of conversion that can lead to a healing of memory and a more unified face of Christ in our world today. (Ecumenical Trends- September/October 2023 p. 7)

ECUMENICAL CORNER - NOVEMBER 2022
In the last century, the most powerful ecumenical moments have been the most tragic.
Did you know that in the 20th century, there were more Christian martyrs than in all previous nineteen centuries? Christians – Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox – throughout the world died, in many cases together, for and in service of their faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The example of these men and women gives witness that the Church is much bigger than the denominational walls that have been erected over the centuries.

Their martyrdom “is the highest point of the life of grace, the truest communion possible with Christ…these brothers and sisters of ours, united in the selfless offering of their lives for the Kingdom of God are the most powerful proof that every factor of division can be transcended and overcome in the total gift of self for the sake of the Gospel.” (Ut Unum Sint)

St. John Paul II, in his address to the Ukrainian community of L’viv in 2001, said “Christians of different confessions have been persecuted and killed for Christ. Their common martyrdom is a powerful calling toward reconciliation and unity. It is the ecumenism of martyrs, witnesses of faith, that shows us the way toward unity of the 21st century Christians.”

The ecumenical challenge from these Christian martyrs is…if we - Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox - can die together for Christ, then why can’t we live together in Christ? May all of us as Christians today heed Jesus’ prayer the night before He was killed, “Father that they be one…so that the world may believe.” (John 17:11.21)

ECUMENICAL CORNER - OCTOBER 2022
In August, members of the Ecumenical Commission had the opportunity to gather to both share and celebrate the ecumenical and interfaith work of their respective ministries. The day began with a Eucharistic celebration by Msgr. Voorhies, in which his homily set the tone for
the retreat. Monsignor reminded us of the words of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb in their historic and courageous "Document of Human Fraternity."

“Faith leads a believer to see in the other a brother or sister to be supported and loved.” The pope and Grand Imam invite “all persons who have faith in God and faith in human fraternity to unite and work together…and declare the adoption of a culture of dialogue as the path; mutual cooperation as the code of conduct; reciprocal understanding as the method and standard."

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe is blessed to have the following individuals who embody the spirit of the above document and “unite and work together” with other Christian and faith traditions to serve the needs of our communities: Kathy Freeze, Catholic Charities; Deacon Robert Vigil, Pastoral Outreach; Anne Avellone, Social Justice; Jane Schindler, RCIA; Joe McCanna, Liturgical Music; Deacon Andy Dimas, Climate Change; Michelle Montez, Synod for Synodality; Dr. Marty Hewlett, Science; Lorri Helgeson, Lang Ha Pham, Leslie Monette, James and Melissa Winters, Ecumenical Liaisons; Jim Gilroy, Commission Chair; and Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhies,
Commission Director. A special thanks to Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish for hosting the retreat and to Leslie Monette and Lang Ha Pham for all the work they did to make this retreat successful.

ECUMENICAL CORNER - MAY 2022
The “listening sessions” of the Catholic Church’s local synod have been completed.  Now the archdiocesan committee will read, summarize, and prepare their submission to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop who in turn will send them to Rome for the 2023 Synod of Bishops worldwide. 

We hope all of you have had a chance to participate.  For members of the Ecumenical Commission, it was fascinating to listen to the voices of sisters and brothers from other Christian churches as well as other faith leaders throughout New Mexico.  Seeing ourselves, the Catholic community, from an outside perspective can be both positive and challenging. 

One positive perspective of those responding was the respect they have for the large historical sweep and rich faith culture of the Catholic community – for all the “smells and bells” of liturgical seasons, and all the holy celebrations filled with music, art, and Eucharistic services.
Many specifically praised the New Mexico traditions, such as Las Posadas, Los Hermanos, and the pilgrimages to Chimayo and Tome Hill.  A challenge expressed by a number was how difficult it’s been to engage with their local Catholic church to address the needs of the broader community or to participate in communal prayer services. In the end, however, all participants stated that they were grateful to be asked to share their experiences and reflections on how we all, as people of faith, can “better journey together” in the future.

If you would like more information on this recent synodal ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, please contact the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs – Msgr. Voorhies, Director at bvoorhies@archdiosf.org or Jim Gilroy, Chair at gilroy@unm.edu  


ECUMENICAL CORNER - APRIL 2022
On March 4th, members of the Archdiocesan Ecumenical Commission were invited to participate in an online conference with the religious leaders of Ukraine. This was the 10th day of the Russian invasion of that country. The Ukrainian religious leaders participating were from every corner of that country. One of the priests who addressed the group was in his van in the dark of night delivering medical supplies into Kyiv. Another participant, a Dominican theologian from Kyiv, said he, like the others present, would not leave but stay “to put faith into practice.” He could hear and see explosions on the outskirts of the city.

During this online gathering, Ukrainian Orthodox, Catholics, and Protestants supported each other stating they came together in “truth, compassion, and solidarity.” They reiterated that this was a time of moral and historical reckoning with the hope of changing the paradigm of Russian Orthodoxy’s allegiance to the state.

Orthodox Archdeacon, John Chryssavgis, wrote in a recent article “this is a time for divine creativity, in the spirit of Jesus’ own life and teaching, (to) combine the innocence of the dove and the cunning of the serpent in a humanitarian operation. Jesus would often work in secret and subtly undermine the political and religious establishments of his day while he distributed food, healed and consoled; at other times, he spoke out against them – to the point of being arrested and executed.” (Tablet, March 26, 2022)

The Ukrainian priests, pastors and theologians were aware of the consequences of “putting faith into practice.” In union with Pope Francis’ peace prayer on the Feast of the Annunciation, let us continue to pray for peace in Ukraine.

ECUMENICAL CORNER - MARCH 2022
In today’s world, we often feel like the women standing next to the cross – unable to intervene and stop the brutality.  And yet, the solidarity of their presence speaks loudly to a world darkened by unimaginable suffering. 
Today, like the women by the cross, we stand in the presence of a world, tortured and crucified: Ukraine, Ethiopia, Syria, Yemen, homeless camps and refugee borders throughout the world. We are often frustrated with our inability to intervene, effect solutions and stop the brutality. Our prayers appear insufficient in the face of such anguish. Yet, we believe, we hope, and we wake up each morning renewed to do better, do our part, and serve those in our neighborhoods and world who bear heavy crosses. 
For Christians, Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.   Our work, as people of faith, is to “pray constantly, live simply and be generous”, in the words of Dr. Tom Dooley, with those “who ain’t got it so good.”
During this Lenten season, let’s stand in solidarity and be generous with those “men and women who live and serve in the midst of the world’s suffering.” 
Some suggestions: Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services, CARE, and Jesuit Refugee Services ...to name a few. 
Lent – a time of prayer, fasting and ALMSGIVING!

ECUMENICAL CORNER - OCTOBER 2021
Join us! The members of the Archdiocese Ecumenical and Interreligious Commission invite you to join us in our work. We are recruiting Ecumenical Liaisons (collaborators) from every archdiocesan parish. If interested, contact Msgr. Bennett Voorhies at bvoorhies@archdiosf.org or Chairperson Jim Gilroy at gilroy@unm.edu or call Jim at 535.336.8450. We would love to speak with you about our ecumenical mission (or zoom with you) and then let you discern the spirit! Why should you join us? The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “the desire to recover the unity of all Christians is a gift of Christ and a call of the Holy Spirit.” This is the work of ecumenism and it involves the whole church, faithful and clergy alike. According to our Catechism, ecumenism is first, the permanent renewal of the Church in greater fidelity to her vocation for such renewal is the driving force of the movement toward unity; and second, the conversion of heart, as the faithful “try to live holier lives according to the Gospel, for it is the unfaithfulness of the members to Christ’s gift which causes divisions. (ibid. 820). Today, in our ever-increasing secular world, we need, more than ever, to bring together our sisters and brothers in Christ “...so that the world may know that you have sent me” (Jn 17:23)

ECUMENICAL CORNER - AUGUST 2021
Lately, the headlined stories of the uncovering of graveyards of Native children at Catholic boarding schools brought about a profound sense of shame and disbelief. Following the news releases, I met with two friends, an Episcopal priest and a Jewish elder. Both shared stories of sinful histories – the dark side - of their respective religious communities. Their listening and personal support made me realize that our common history as children of Abraham is filled with the sinfulness of our humanity as well as with constant prophetic calls for justice. God’s relentless pursuit for all of us is one of constant conversion. This interfaith encounter helped me realize that we are one people “under God” and that the arc of our common history leads to a hopeful place of equality, respect and dignity as creatures created in the “image of God.”

The ecumenical efforts of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe include dialogue and community service with both Christian and non-Christians. Recent interfaith documents among Christian, Jews and Muslims bring hope for a divided world and make us realize that we, as children of one Creator, can come together in prayerful support of each other.

If you and your parish would like more information on our ecumenical and interfaith ministry, contact Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhies at bvoorhies@archdiosf.org or Jim Gilroy at gilroy@unm.edu or 575.776.8450. We look forward to sharing our work either in person or with online formats. - Jim Gilroy

“That they may be one” – these were the words Jesus Himself prayed on the night before He died (John 17:11). Evidently Jesus intended unity among us and the Father, as well as unity among ourselves as His disciples. How can we foster this unity in the face of so much painful division among Christians today? 

We can learn to practice true ecumenism. Genuine ecumenism is not about convincing non-Catholics to become Catholics – or to pretend that we are not Catholic. Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect.

We pray for healing of all divisions, and we long for the day when all God’s people will be gathered around His table in complete unity and love.

Paragraph 44 of Pontificium Consilium Ad Christianorum Unitatem Fovendam (The Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism) lists the following as functions of the Ecumenical Commission, and indicate our mission to the Church: 

• Put into practice the decisions of the diocesan bishop for implementing the teaching and directives of the Second Vatican Council on ecumenism, as well as those of the post-conciliar documents emanating from the Holy See, Synods of Eastern Catholic Churches and Episcopal Conferences.

• Maintain relations with the territorial ecumenical commission, adapting the latter's recommendations and advice to local conditions. When circumstances suggest, information about experiences and their results as well as other useful information should be sent to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

• Foster spiritual ecumenism according to the principles given in the conciliar Decree on Ecumenism and in other sections of this directory about public and private prayer for the unity of Christians.

• Offer help and encouragement by such means as workshops and seminars for the ecumenical formation of both clergy and laity, for the appropriate realization of an ecumenical dimension to all aspects of life, and giving special attention as to how seminary students are prepared for the ecumenical dimension of preaching, catechetics and other forms of teaching, and pastoral activity (e.g., pastoral care in mixed marriages) etc.

• Promote friendliness and charity between Catholics and other Christians with whom full ecclesial communion does not yet exist according to the suggestions and guidelines given below (especially nn. 205-218).

• Initiate and guide conversations and consultations with them, bearing in mind the adaptation to be observed in accordance with the diversity of the participants and subjects of dialogue.

• Propose experts to undertake dialogue on the diocesan level with other churches and ecclesial communities.

• Promote, in collaboration with other diocesan bodies and with other Christians joint witness to Christian faith, to the extent that this is possible, as well as cooperation in such areas as education, public and private morality, social justice, matters connected with culture, learning and the arts.

• Propose to the bishops the exchange of observers and guests on the occasion of important conferences, synods, installation of religious leaders and other similar occasions.

Church List: Who's Who?

Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs Handbook 2009

Octave for Christian Unity

Who Is My Neighbor?