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“This is a time in which we need a message of hope and reconciliation,” said Monica Schaap Pierce, the RCA’s ecumenical associate, on Sunday evening. The synod had just prayed for the victims of the shootings in Orlando that happened earlier in the day.

“Our conversation here tonight will not only remind us of our brokenness, but also the hard work that is done around the world toward unity.”

Pierce was introducing a panel of ecumenical guests, who represented other denominations and Christian organizations.

Kathryn Johnson challenged delegates to look at people from other Christian traditions and ask two questions: Can I see the face of Christ in that person? Can I hear the work of the Spirit in that story?

Asking these questions, she said, leads to wonderful excitement when people discover they are seeing the work of Christ in the lives of fellow Christ-followers. “Unity is the very essence of who we are as Christians,” she said.

Johnson, director for ecumenical and interreligious organizations for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, was joined by Larry Miller and Mel Robeck. Miller is general secretary of the Global Christian Forum. Robeck is professor of church history and ecumenics and director of David J. DuPlessis Center for Christian Spirituality at Fuller Theological Seminary.

The panel discussed the Global Christian Forum and the value of working with Christians from other faith traditions.

See full synod coverage at www.rca.org/synod