GBHEM Shares a Heartwarming Moment with Pope Francis
The Methodist Ecumenical Office of Rome hosted senior leaders from the World Methodist Historical Society and the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, and Universities (IAMSCU) in early September. Dr. Amos Nascimento and General Secretary, Rev. Greg Bergquist attended the conference on behalf of The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM).
GBHEM leadership, received the opportunity to visit the Waldensian Faculty of Theology, the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy, the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education, the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, the Vatican Library, and the Historical Archives of St. Peter’s Basilica. Rev. Dr. Greg Bergquist also delivered a powerful sermon at Pointe Sant’Angelo Methodist Church in Rome.
In an extremely “heartwarming” moment, a few of our Methodist leaders greeted Pope Francis with a John Wesley bobblehead doll. When Pope Francis received the John Wesley bobblehead figure, he immediately recognized it and said, “Oh, John Wesley, the Methodist!”
Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, presented Pope Francis with the figure, commented via Facebook, “Today, I marked off a thing I never dreamed could be on my bucket list: we were the special guests of Pope Francis, with front row seats to the Wednesday service and a handshake.”
Our moment with Pope Francis is not only a special moment for Methodists but a testament to the United Methodist Church’s commitment to Christian unity. As GBHEM continues to travel the world and build relationships with individuals from all multicultural backgrounds, it is equally important for our agency to continue to join our voices with other Christians around the world to advocate for justice and peace.
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When [Sojourner Truth] was presented with arguments based on faith that would oppress women and former slaves alike, she asked, “Where did your Christ come from?” I think this is a great question that still resonates today. It makes me question myself, “How often has my faith served to justify my actions?” Too often, faith has served to justify genocide, wars, slavery, discrimination, and many other repulsive acts. Too often, we have used Christ to justify the evil that comes from our hearts.
