TOWARDS A MYSTICAL AND PROPHETIC SPIRITUAL LIFE Emmanuel Clapsis Rev. Dr Emmanuel Clapsis is professor ofsgstematic theology at Holg Cross Greek Orthodox School ofTheologg, Brookiine, Massachusetts in the United States.
ifbe Cbristian cburcbes, at tbe 9tb Assembly of tbe World Council of Cburcbes beld in 2006 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, recognized tbe need "to focus upon tbe nature of Cbristian spirituality and tbe work of tbe Holy Spirit in tbe cburcb and tbe world". Tbis was recognized to be of paramount importance for tbe integrity of ecumenical work for visible unity and for tbe mission of tbe Cbristian cburcbes to tbe world. ^ Tbe need to ground tbe ecumenical movement arid tbe mission of tbe Cbristian cburcbes in tbe work of tbe Holy Spirit is a foundational principal of ecumenism sbared by all Cbristian cburcbes. Tbe World Council of Cburcbes since its 7tb Assembly beld in Canberra, Australia ill 1991, envisioned tbe development of an ecumenical spirituabty for our times. It identified its essential components and function in tbe life of tbe faitbful, in tbe cburcb and in tbe world: I Spirituality - in its manifold forms - is about receiving energy for life, being cleansed, inspired and set free, in every way being conformed to Christ. An ecumenical spirituality for our times should be incarnational, here and now, life-giving, rooted in the scriptures and nourished by prayer; it should be communitarian and celebrating, centred around the Eucharist, expressed in service and witness, trusting and confident. It will ' inevitably lead to suffering; it is open to the wider oikoumene, joyivl and hopeful. Its ] source and guide is the action of the Holy Spirit. It is lived and sought in community : for others. It is an ongoing process of formation and discipleship.^
In tbis paper, I will argue tbat tbose wbo live by tbe Spirit of God open tbeir hearts to embrace tbe wbole of God's creation. Tbey are concerned witb everyday buman life and experiences as mucb as witb tbe major questions of buman life and survival, questions of justice, peace and tbe preservation of creation. Report of the Programme Guidelines Committee #17. Michael Kinnamon ed.. Signs of the Spirit: Official Report, Seventh Assembly, Canberra, Australia, 7-20 February 1991, Geneva, World Council of Churches, 1991, p.ll2.
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