Commission for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations Terms of Reference

A.    Name

Commission for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations

B.    Purpose

The purpose of the Commission is to act as an advisor to the Coordinator of Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations and it is entrusted with the discernment and promotion of ecumenical and interfaith relations in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

C.    Membership and Terms

1. The Commission will have no less than nine (9) members who are committed Catholics with demonstrated knowledge of ecumenism and interfaith relations. The Coordinator of Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations is also a member of the Commission.
2. Members of the Commission will serve for a term of two (2) or three (3) years, which, with the Archbishop’s approval, may be renewed.

D.    Mission and Priorities

1. To foster spiritual ecumenism through public and private prayer for unity and reconciliation and “change of heart and holiness of life.”  This includes promotion and participation in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, ecumenical Bible studies, Alpha, etc.;
2. To foster relations and mutual understanding between the Archdiocese and members of other faith communities;
3. To assist and encourage the life and work for unity in collaborating with parishes, archdiocesan offices, schools and ecclesial movements and new communities;
4. To implement programs for the ecumenical education and formation of clergy and laity which may be accomplished through conferences, workshops, website, etc.;
5. To initiate and support activities at the service of the common good (social action, justice and peace initiatives, service projects); and
6. To foster common witness to our Christian faith, encouraging parish communities to be attentive to occasions where they can stand together in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Good Friday Stations of the Cross, etc.).

E.    Meetings

The Commission will meet three (3) times a year.

Approved: Memorial of Saint Clare
August 11, 2022

+ J. Michael Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver

The following policy is hereby superseded:
Commission for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations Terms of Reference,
issued on November 5, 2012