by Sean McManus
Staff Writer
St. Johns Cathedral, the seat of the Episcopalian Diocese of Jacksonville, which is increasingly a platform for diverse theological awareness, is hosting three big-name speakers next month in an effort to sensitize the community to issues such as unity, tolerance and understanding.
While all three speakers are Episcopalian, their most significant work has been connecting disparate groups and mending fences in times of conflict, according to Ashley Denham, the Cathedral’s communications director.
“We hope these speakers will help people understand that spirituality is about celebrating what we have in common,” said Denham, “not what divides us.”
St. Johns finds important meaning in the concept of a cathedral, which according to its literature, literally means a house, or a sanctuary for all people.
“It is the intellectual and spiritual home for the entire city,” explained Denham. “So we make sure that we host events and provide opportunities for people of all faiths and traditions.”
In an effort to embrace that diversity, the Cathedral’s fall series, which is being called Voices of Hope and Reconciliation, will run through mid-November and includes Reverend Lyndon Harris, who is a staff member of Trinity Parish on Wall Street in New York City across from the former site of the World Trade Center, the Most Reverend Robin Eames, archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland and the Right Reverend Jon Bruno, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.
According to the Very Reverend Edward Harrison, dean of St. Johns Cathedral, the speakers were designed to appeal to people of all faiths and promote the idea of Christian intellectualism and spirituality.
“This year Jacksonville has been the subject of national scrutiny for religious divisiveness,” said Harrison. “We wanted to develop a different angle to respond to our national tragedy.”
Harris, who will speak Oct. 16, has shared the story of Sept. 11 with people all over the nation. According to Denham, Harris speaks about the faithfulness of God in times of intense crisis. Harris has appeared on all major television networks, including the PBS special on Sept. 11.
On Oct. 30, the Cathedral with host Eames, who, since being enthroned in 1986, has worked to bring peace to his native Northern Ireland and has been praised for his ability to negotiate with both sides of the ongoing Protestant-Catholic conflict. According to Denham, he has also traveled with Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey to Jerusalem in recent months to meet with leaders on both sides of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict.
“And he’s very well known for his humor and welcoming charm,” said Denham. “We are really looking forward to meeting him.”
Bruno, who is speaking at St. Johns on Nov. 13, is widely known for his work promoting Christian missions. He has also been an advocate for youth and families, gang diversion and immigration equity in his native Los Angeles. He is the founder of the Institute for Urban Research and Development, within the L.A. Diocese, which is served by some 400 clergy, runs 40 Episcopal schools and 20 social-service agencies.
“All of these speakers have a tremendous reputation as scholars and theologians worldwide,” said Harrison. “We’re lucky to have them here.”