Elmar B.

Sanchez

Ecumenical Movement/Religious Dialogue

Open forum with Bishop Solito Toquero

Reflection Paper

After the forum with Bishop Solito Toquero I learn a lot of testimonies and

experiences from him. I realize that love is the connection that fulfills ecumenical

movement. It is true because love unites and makes things happen no matter what

conflicts and arguments due to beliefs. Although we are many we are one in the sight

of God. Our gifts motivate us, equip us, and lead us in building up the body of Christ.

We are functional, valuable, and useful in the ministry of Christ because of the talent

that works in us and motivates us to come to God's glory. Another, I came to know

that one of the purposes of the ecumenical movement is to take care of the creation of

God. The expression of our faith and service to God teaches us to become a steward

of God's creation. The book of Ephesians clearly emphasizes that we have one Lord

and one church which shows that we are serving one God who created all things and

the church as our refuge. On the other hand, we must unite in faith and relationship

with other religions. We are related to the whole creation, water, and other resources.

However, I realized that the Spaniards used Christianity to control us. In addition, the

Americans came to the Philippines they get our resources and build corporations.

Moreover, it is good to know that our front churches held a committee that agrees on

the places of evangelism. Thus, the ecumenical movement resulted in bible

translations, a bishop quorum, the council of churches, peace platforms, a bible

society, and a common lectionary.