wfn.org | Ainslie lecture features Methodist ecumenist

[DISCNEWS.parti@ecunet.org]

October 7, 1996
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Cliff_Willis.parti@ecunet.org

96b-86

     INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Methodist theologian and
ecumenical leader Geoffrey Wainwright will keynote the 15th
Peter Ainslie Lecture on Christian Unity. 

     The event begins at 7 p.m., Nov. 24. at First Christian
Church, Springfield, Ill.

     Wainwright, a  professor of theology at Duke University
Divinity School, Durham, N.C., will speak on the topic, "The
20th Century Ecumenical Movement: The Enduring Legacy." 

     His presentation will be part of a festive worship
service involving choirs from many Springfield congregations
and a procession of clergy and lay representatives,
according to the Rev. Paul A. Crow Jr. He is president of
the Council on Christian Unity of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ), Indianapolis. 

     "This gathering will be a strong sign that Christians
in this community are one despite their differences," said
the Rev. C. Bruce Naylor. He is senior minister of First
Christian Church.

     The Ainslie lecture is cosponsored by the Council on
Christian Unity and numerous other Springfield-area
congregations and judicatories. "This event will be one of
the most exciting ecumenical services in Springfield in the
past decade," said Crow.

     Peter Ainslie lecturers in earlier years have included
such Christian world leaders as Cardinal Johannes
Willebrands of the Vatican, Archbishop of Canterbury Robert
Runcie, Greek Orthodox Archbishop Iakovos of North and South
America, and Bishop Lesslie Newbigin of the Church of South
India.

     Wainwright also will participate in two dialogue
sessions at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., Nov. 25, at Central
Baptist Church in Springfield.

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