Has the dialogue with Catholics enriched Mennonite worship life?
I had no idea what a rich friendship would develop among Mennonites and Catholics in Bridgefolk. Though this grassroots ten-year friendship hasn’t been without pain, the gifts have far outweighed the challenges and difficulties. From Catholics we’ve learned so much about the sacramental life—about prayer and ritual. But Catholics also long for the life of community, discipleship and peacemaking that Mennonites take for granted. Our friendship, while bridging a historic divide, does more than destroy an old enmity; it brings both Catholics and Mennonites closer to Christ—which is what really matters in worship and spiritual formation. Some point out that your leadership has been of value primarily to white congregations. How do you respond to this suggestion? It’s likely true that resources such as hymnals and supplements as well as worship ideas in Leader magazine are used more often by white congregations. Many racial-ethnic congregations are less tied to the mainstream of Mennonite w
