Dioceses Joined in Prayer for Christian Unity
Episcopal News Service. February 2, 1976 [76029]
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The second annual Day of Christian Unity sponsored by the Pontifax (bridge-builders) Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida and the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg filled the stately old pews in St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral in downtown St. Petersburg on January 20.
The procession into the cathedral included the combined Episcopal and Roman Catholic choirs, acolytes and clergy.
The prayer service followed the guidelines for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begun by the Franciscan Friars of Graymoor, N.Y., in 1908.
Prayers were offered by priests of both dioceses and the Rt. Rev. E. Paul Haynes, Episcopal Bishop, read the Gospel. The Most Rev. Charles B. McLaughlin, Roman Catholic Bishop, gave the homily, proclaiming: "I believe we have made a step toward unity...love is seeking a new dimension in the city of St. Petersburg because we have been generous in opening our hearts."
Following the prayer service, the ecumenical officers of the two dioceses, the Rev. Robert Maurais and the Rev. Harold Bumpus, S.J., led a panel discussion on "where we stand on unity" and answered questions from the floor.
The Pontifax Committee composed of three women and a clerical advisor from each diocese was organized in 1970 to foster friendly relations and understanding between the two communions. In addition to the two diocesan observances during Christian Unity Week, congregations throughout the two dioceses have shared social and spiritual endeavors.