For the past several years Bishop Dillahunt has had the honor of serving Christian Churches Together (CCT) as the ELCA’s representative on the Steering Committee, which oversees the planning of the Annual Forum. She had the opportunity to attend the most recent Annual Forum, held in Indianapolis in mid-October. 

CCT is made up of representatives from the five historic, Christian families: Evangelical and Pentecostal, Historic Black Church, Mainline Protestant, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic Churches. The goal of this Ecumenical Table is to profess in word and action that Jesus is Lord.  The three “gifts” this unique table brings to ecumenical circles is that we engage in getting to know each other through listening, sharing stories of faith traditions, and putting faith into action…the three “L’s”: Loving Relationship, Learning Theologically, and Leading Actions. 

It is a fellowship of how we as Christians can sit down together amid our differences, listen to one another, and build relationships across denominations, and talk about how we can best witness to the world. 

This year’s theme was “Who does Jesus call our Christian Churches to be in a Polarized Society.” We heard presentations and stories from each of the historic Christian families.  There was a time for worship, sharing theological insights visiting different congregations as well as building relationships. Prayer was central to the gathering.  

In the past, CCT has issued joint statements on Poverty and Immigration. On November 14 & 16 CCT is offering a free online workshop “Building Skills and Tools for Helping Communities to Overcome Polarization and Extend Grace, Respect and Love to Each Other in the Face of our Differences.”