"Thus it is absolutely clear that ecumenism, the movement promoting Christian unity, is not just some sort of "appendix" which is added to the Church's traditional activity. Rather, ecumenism is an organic part of her life and work, and consequently must pervade all that she is and does; it must be like the fruit borne by a healthy and flourishing tree which grows to its full stature,” (Pope Saint John Paul II, Ut Unum Sint, 25 May 1995).
The responsibilities of the Office for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue are as follows:
To have devolved responsibility for Ecumenism and Interfaith issues within the Archdiocese according to the will of the Archbishop.
To build and develop an Archdiocesan approach to Ecumenical and Interfaith issues at clergy and lay level.
To establish clear communication with the contact people of other Christian traditions and other religions.
To inform and enlighten the Catholic clergy as to what the magisterium expects of us in terms of Ecumenism and Interfaith.
To promote key events throughout the calendar year i.e. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, World Day of Prayer, Remembrance Day and Advent Joint Services.
To establish and recruit suitable laypeople to sit on the Ecumenical Commission.
To outline a three-year programme of development and mission for the Archdiocese relating to Ecumenism and Interfaith.
To contribute towards the Executive Policy of the Archbishops’ Council in furthering the overall Pastoral Mission of the Archdiocese.
To go around the Archdiocese and dialogue with our clergy about how to deal with Ecumenism and Interfaith issues along with all the other responsibilities of parish life.
To, where appropriate, attend training and development synods, courses, conferences to enlighten my knowledge of Ecumenism and Interfaith.
The Vicar Episcopal for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue within the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is the Very Reverend Jeremy Bath VE. Father Bath is the parish priest of Saints John Cantius & Nicholas in Broxburn and St Philomena’s in Winchburgh. He trained for the priesthood at Gillis College, Edinburgh, gaining a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. He was ordained in 1993 and has since served in parishes in Stirlingshire, Roxburghshire and West Lothian. Prior to entering seminary, he worked for Royal Bank of Scotland for 9 years. His hobbies include walking, cycling and reading.
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Contact: The Very Reverend Jeremy Bath VE Vicar Episcopal for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue T: 0131 623 8900 E: VEecumifd@staned.org.uk
The Archbishop’s Council meets on a monthly basis to give an account of the areas of pastoral concern entrusted to each Vicar Episcopal by the Archbishop and to offer him counsel when requested.
President: The Most Reverend Leo Cushley
The Right Reverend Monsignor Patrick Burke VG The Right Reverend Monsignor Allan T. Canon Chambers VG The Very Reverend Jeremy Bath VE, Vicar Episcopal for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue The Very Reverend Jamie Boyle VE, Vicar Episcopal for Clergy and Religious The Very Reverend Basil Clark VE, Vicar Episcopal for Caritas, Justice and Peace The Very Reverend Daniel Doherty VE, Vicar Episcopal for Catechetics The Very Reverend Jeremy Milne VE, Vicar Episcopal for Marriage and Family Life
