Caroline Bauerschmidt is a member of the Lambeth Conference Phase 3 Steering Group, representing Bishops’ Spouses. As part of Phase 3, an Anglican Communion Network of Bishops Spouses has been formed since the conference in 2022. Caroline’s spouse is the Right Reverend John Bauerschmidt, the Bishop of Tennessee in the Episcopal Church. Caroline will be a part of a webinar panel on the Lambeth Call on Christian Unity, run by the Anglican Communion Office team, which takes place on 29 and 30 January. Here she shares her thoughts on Christian Unity and its importance.
Why is Christian Unity important?
Scripture is one of the primary tools we have for understanding God, following in Christ’s footsteps, and growing in grace through the Holy Spirit. We are always being invited to know God better. Through scripture we hear and read about the unity that God wants for us. Jesus told us many parables, but two very often referred to are those of The Good Shepherd (John 10) and The True Vine (John 15). Each of these reflects unity in different ways. The Good Shepherd parable directly says that “they will all be one”, that there will be one flock, one shepherd. The very image of the vine is one of unity, all of the parts are connected to be one. When we remain on the vine we will “bear much fruit” and “our joy will be complete”.
What does Christian Unity mean to you?
Christ came to redeem us and there is work for us to do. Somehow the people of God, through humility and imagination can carry on Christ’s work.
Adults and children are focusing on the essentials of faith in a variety of traditions here in my community in Nashville, Tennessee. There are Dominican sisters at Overbrook School, a North American Antiochian Orthodox Church, and an Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) church all using scripture, liturgy and prayer to proclaim the Christian message of the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. There are also multiple churches in the Episcopal tradition and the Roman Catholic diocese doing the same work of formation. The adults frequently learn together and always support each other in this work of formation with friendship.
Why should we care about ecumenism?
Scripture used in our liturgies tell us ecumenism is important. We recognise each other’s baptism, when done in the name of the Trinity, in our variety of traditions. This is truly good, but there is more that would heal our brokenness. Having the humility and imagination to fully share the Eucharist should be our deepest prayer.
To register for the Lambeth Call on Christian Unity webinars, click here.