A Half-Century of Unity
Bishop Kusserow with his colleagues Dr. Sheldon Sorge of Pittsburgh Presbytery and UMC Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi at a meeting of the Christian Associates Council
In this time of Covid-19, the question takes on new relevance: can these bones live? Can the church dare to do something new? Take courage: we’ve done it before. Fifty years ago, Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, chartered on April 15, 1970, became the first regional expression of unity in U.S. history to connect Catholic Christians with their Protestant and Orthodox neighbors. Believers of diverse traditions came together to build relationships and seek the common good.
In the past half-century, Christian Associates has fulfilled the promise of its founding. We’ve created initiatives in jail chaplaincy, radio and television ministry, and Christian education. We’ve addressed the hardest challenges of our time: racism, economic collapse, natural disasters. We’ve made our voice heard as we’ve spoken out together on critical issues, and we’ve offered solace in times of community grief, from the crash of US Air flight 427 to the 2018 synagogue shooting. We continue to draw new perspectives and traditions into our fellowship, bridging the schisms that have troubled the church in recent decades and developing robust relationships, both ecumenical and interfaith.
The Ohio River Valley Conference of the ALC and the Western PA-West Virginia Synod of the LCA, predecessors of today’s Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, were both charter members of Christian Associates. Lutheran bishops have led our Council of Bishops & Executives, including Bishop Kenneth May, Bishop Donald McCoid, and Bishop Kurt Kusserow. Pastor Don Green served as Executive Director from 2002 until 2014. Countless others from the Synod have joined committees, volunteered for projects, worked as staff members, participated in programs, and prayed for our ministries.
We are looking forward to a grand celebration of Christian Associates’ 50th anniversary as soon as we are able to gather safely. In the meantime, this September we will publish All One in Christ Jesus: Southwest Pennsylvania Celebrates Christian Unity, a collection of sermons and essays suitable for conversation in congregational settings. Watch for it at casp.org/sermons.
Just as the Spirit inspired our founding 50 years ago, so we believe that God leads us into a future in which all who follow Jesus might be united in friendship and service. Thanks be to God for this half-century and all that lies ahead!
The Rev. Liddy Barlow
Executive Minister, Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania
lbarlow@casp.org | 412-688-9070 | casp.org