Porvoo Update, December 1999

The cooperation within the Porvoo Communion is rapidly developing on all levels. Many dioceses are now joined in partnerships or twinnings and in Sweden the coverage is almost total. Based on the fellowship of united prayer these links seeks to promote cooperation and interaction on both a parochial as well as a regional level. There is an exchange of know-how whereas different diaconal patterns of ministry are concerned, initiatives have been taken focusing on youth-issues and a lively interchange between church choirs and church musicians is evolving. Porvoo seeks to interconnect already existing networks and promote the cooperation between churches in a way that doesn't make it yet another extramural priority of debatable urgency. Beginning with a meeting of church lawyers in 1997, officers on all levels are coming together for meetings where the sharing of experiences and recourses, be it personel-wise or other, is at the fore. A meeting of youth officers is being planned, as is a meeting of heads of information. Several Porvoo churches are currently experiencing a period of canonical changes. In Finland and Sweden this has meant the introduction of new regulations set to simplify the inclusion of members of other Porvoo churches into their own, and in the perpetual discussion on the relationship between state and church, experiences from within the communion has proven to be helpful tools for interpretation.

Diversity in communion
The next event in the cycle of conferences and consultations specifically named in § 58 of the Porvoo Declaration is the theological conference, due to held in Durham 8-13 September 2000.

The theme of the Conference "Diversity in Communion" relates to questions of multiformity within the Communion; heterogeneity in social, demographical or cultural meaning as well as in spiritual, ecclesiological and ethical meaning. How do we understand the concept of communion and use it in the context of Porvoo? What are the limits to diversity in communion. What can be said about diversity and contradiction and how do we see diversity as an expression of the fullness of unity (how much diversity does unity demand?) - Were issues that the Church leaders brought forward as examples of points of discussion that might be covered by the agenda. The questions of human sexuality and inclusive ministry were particularly mentioned as examples of topics which needed careful consideration. The six day long residentiary conference will gather representatives from the Porvoo churches who through their professional background or through the office or responsibility they hold take a subsequent leading role in the doctrinal work of their church. Chairpersons of doctrinal or theological committees, Faith & Order-groups or bishop's councils - each church would have its own structure or body.

Llanfair, Penrhys
As a result of the visit by the Church of Sweden Central board to Wales in 1996 a project of diaconal cooperation has been drawn up - involving the two Porvoo churches, the Uniting church of Penrhys and the Church of Finland (through the Diaconal Institute for Higher Education, Helsinki). A Swedish deacon has worked for six month in Penrhys and the three parties have now submitted a joint application to the European Commission for a grant in order secure funds for a continuation of the project.

Training-courses for clergy wanting to work in an Anglican church
The Swedish training-courses for clergy wanting to work in an Anglican church have now been arranged for the third time - and it is always oversubscribed. A group of 25 priests come together for a four day long intensive course in Anglican ecclesiology, hymnology, pastoral work and spirituality - they learn to find their way in liturgical manuals and are taught different forms of Anglican churchmanship. In March 1999 a group of 25 former pupils from these courses went on a study-tour to London where they had the opportunity to visit an explore parishes, ranging from those of either a High-Church or Evangelical persuasion. A supplementary course in Anglican spirituality has also been arranged. As a direct result of this a handful Swedish priests are now working for a longer or shorter period in England, and more are no doubt to follow.

Porvoo is affecting all member churches in an all inclusive rapidly developing way. The establishment of this communion of churches does no not equal the building of walls against other churches or the isolation of some churches over against others. On the contrary; more interaction and cooperation between churches in one region solely means a heightened ecumenical awareness - those who do a lot with some will want to do more with more. Porvoo is all about building bridges and bridging gaps, it is about outreach and mission, diaconia and common worship.

Johan Dalman, Sweden
Lutheran co-secretary of the Porvoo Contact Group