'Catholic Spirit'

As part of our formational studies at Wesley House this year we will be considering some of the sermons of John Wesley.  As such, I have decided to write a reflection each week on the sermon we will be considering.  My aim is that they will be more devotional than critical and will also use photos from wherever I happen to be that day to consider how the words of Wesley may still have relevance to the world today.  Any words in italics are the words from Wesley's sermon, and taken from Albert Outler and Richard Heitzenrater's anthology of Wesley's sermons, unless otherwise stated.

Catholic Spirit

Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge

We don't have to agree, you and I.

We may think differently about God or worship;

but though we can't think alike, may we not love alike?

May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?

We don't have to agree, nor should we be concerned to do so.

We can respect each other's differences;

We can allow each other to worship in which ever manner we believe most honours God;

Yet we can remain united as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Great St Mary's Church, Cambridge

This unity does not mean uniformity.

You may believe the episcopal form of church government to be scriptural

and I may not.

I may believe infants ought to be baptized

and you may not.

We must both act as each is fully persuaded in his or her own mind.

Eden Chapel, Cambridge

So to whom will we unite today?

How will we decide with whom to share this united love?

Are there any beliefs which can not be passed over?

Wesley Methodist Church, Cambridge

Is it enough or too much to say we can share a catholic spirit with all those who

believe in and love God;

believe in Jesus Christ;

are involved in doing the works of God;

serve God with fear

love their neighbour as themself

demonstrate their love in action?

Who else might we include or exclude?

Parker's Piece, Cambridge

So I offer you my hand.

Will you take it?

Will you also place opinions and practices to one side,
as I vow to do,

not as though they are unimportant,

but because they are not most important?

All Saints Church, Cambridge

Will you join me in love of one another,

in prayer for one another,

in encouragement of one another,

in service with one another?

St Andrew's St Baptist Church, Cambridge