2.12: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORLDWIDE CHURCH

What is reconciliation

A sacrament in the Catholic Church; also the restoring of harmony after relationships have broken down

What is persecution?

hostility and ill - treatment, especially because of race, or political or religious beliefs

What is the primary mission of the worldwide church?

Is to proclaim that Jesus came so that the relationship between God and people can be restored

Christains argue that this sin caused this relationship to be broken and separated the world from God.

What does Romans 5:10 say?

Says that people have become enemies of God, but the message of the Church is that Jesus came to change that

What do Christians believe about Jesus dying on the cross?

That when Jesus died on the cross and rose again he saved humans from sin, and through his grace made it possible for ‘God’s enemies’ (humankind) to be forgiven and become his friends

What is the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation?

It is one the 7 sacraments in the Catholic Church

What does Matthew 5:23-24 state?

States that Christians are not only to be reconciled to God but should be reconciled to one another

What does the worldwide church have a role to do?

To restore people's relationships with God and with one another

Which sections within the Church have fallen out?

For eg: In Northern Ireland there has been conflict between Catholics and Protesstant.

What is the ICPP?

The Irish Churches Peace Project was set up to bring together Christians from all over Northern Ireland to discuss initiatives to develop peace and understanding

What is the scale of Persecution against Christians?

80% of all acts of religious discrimination in the world today is directed at Christians

What does persecution against Christians range from?

From forcing Christians to pay an extra tax, not allowing them to have good jobs or build churches to attacks on their homes, churches and family, and even murder

Which countries have the most serious persecution?

North Korea
Somalia
Iraq
Syria
Sudan
Iran
Pakistan
Eritrea
Nigeria

What is the Corrymeela Community?

Begun in 1965 by Ray Davey, a former chaplin who was affected by and witnessed the bombing of the city of Dresden during the 2nd world war
THE COMMUNITY SEEKS TO PROMOTE HARMONY AND RECONCILIATION

What do people part of the Corrymeela community do?

People from various backgrounds gather at the residential centre on the north coast of Ireland for a time of peace-building through the healing of social, religious and political divisions

Those who attend are given the opportunity to talk and listen to each other and explore ways of moving from violence and distrust to working together constructively

What did the apostle Paul warn?

That ‘everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted’ (2 Timothy 3:12)

Jesus told Christians to expect persecution from the world because if the world persecuted him, the world would persecute his followers too

What does the World Council of Churches do?

They have a programme to try and bring about reconciliation between Christains of different denominations and members of other faiths.

For example: in the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace initiative, they seek to work together to help heal a world filled with conflict, injustice and pain.