Mission Statement
To assist the Bishop and the greater Diocesan community on matters pertaining to ecumenism and inter-religious matters; working together with the many faith traditions in our community to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, friendship, and collaboration for the common good.
The Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion
The Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion serves as a resource to the Bishop, the offices of the Pastoral Center, and the parishes throughout the Diocese of Orange to promote Christian unity and understanding among faiths and to foster dialogue and friendship with members of Christian and non-Christian religions. Our work is guided by the teaching and directives of the Second Vatican Council, the Holy See, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Bishop of Orange. The Diocese hosts committees consisting of clergy, religious and laypersons to serve as forums for dialogue and to foster ecumenical and interreligious collaboration and cooperation on issues pertaining to the common good.
The Office Provides:
- Speakers for ecumenical and inter-religious subjects, issues and themes
- Guidance for parishes, ministries and individuals
- Diocesan events and services that include ecumenical and inter-religious leaders and their members
Office Contacts:
- Very Reverend Al Baca Episcopal Vicar, Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion – [email protected]
- Pamela Ocampo, Administrative Assistant – [email protected]
Commission for the Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion:
The Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion Commission advises and assists the Episcopal Vicar in carrying out the responsibilities and duties of the Office. Members of the Commission serve as Diocesan delegates, developing new ideas for ecumenical and interreligious outreach, as well as planning and hosting special events sponsored by the Diocese.
Ongoing dialogue & monthly meetings on the diocesan level:
- Ecumenical Commission meets the fourth Wednesday of each month.
- Orthodox-Catholic priests gather for multiple events throughout the year.
- Jewish-Catholic Dialogue meets on the third Wednesday of the month.
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints/Catholic dialogue meet on the first Wednesday of the month.
- Orange County Sheriff’s Interfaith Advisory Council meets with Commission members multiple times each year.
Special Events
Christian Unity Month
Dear Friends,
For January Christian Unity month, we are sending out again the different ecumenical and inter-religious opportunities that are encouraged by the USCCB. The Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion this past year has hosted at Christ Cathedral campus a Greek Orthodox and Catholic debate on the Filioque, hosted with the Offices of Family Life and Life, Peace and Justice the Homeless Persons Inter-religious Memorial Service, and an evening on the Nicaean Creed. Presently, we are building bridges between the Diocese of Orange and Concordia University (Missouri Synod Lutheran). Concordia provides an excellent education that stresses a strong moral and ethical life approach. A fruit of our work with Concordia, leadership has committed to Bishop Vann that Catholic students will never be proselytized.
Please remember that our office team is prepared to give at your parish presentations on ecumenical and inter-religious topics. While committed to full communion with the Christian churches and ecclesial communities, we do not content ourselves with the least common denominator in the work of reconciliation. We do the hard work of tackling real issues that divide us with the goal of restoring and reconciling all Christians to the one Church Christ established on the confession of Blessed Peter. With those non-Catholic religions, we work for the greater good, the full dignity of the human person, and friendship between our peoples.
Support our work and let us help you learn the authentic ecumenical and inter-religious approach of the Catholic Church!
Learn More:
Events
On-going Education, Ecumenical and Inter-religious Events:
Ecumenical Panel Discussion – The Holy Eucharist
Hosted by the Very Reverend Alfred S. Baca, Episcopal Vicor, Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion. Diocese of Orange
Ecumenical Panel Discussion – The Holy Eucharist
This video features presentations and discussions by the presenters:
Fr. William Goldin, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim, St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church
Fr. Karekin Bedourian, 40 Martyrs Armenian Orthodox Church
Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs Resources
- Vatican Resources
- [for a complete listing, please visit and search the Vatican website: http://w2.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html]
- DICASTERY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN UNITY
- DICASTERY FOR INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
- COMMISSION OF THE HOLY SEE FOR RELIGIOUS RELATIONS WITH THE JEWS
- Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue
- “Ut Unum Sint: On Commitment to Ecumenism”
- [ENCYCLICAL OF HIS HOLINESS POPE JOHN PAUL II, 1995]
- “Dialogue and Proclamation”
- [PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE , 1991]
- “Nostra Aetate: Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions.”
- [PROCLAIMED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON OCTOBER 28, 1965]
- “Unitatis Redintegratio: Decree on Ecumenism”
- [SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL, 1964]
- Jewish organization opens an office at the Vatican
USCCB Resources
- [for a complete listing, please visit and search the USCCB website: http://www.usccb.org/.]
- USCCB COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL AND INTERRELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
- CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION OF DIOCESAN ECUMENICAL AND INTERRELIGIOUS OFFICERS [CADEIO]
- Nostra Aetate at 60 – The Legacy and Challenges for Reconciliation and Interreligious Understanding
- Documents Produced By The North American Orthodox – Catholic Theological Consultation
- 2014 Joint Statement of the Jewish-Catholic Dialogue sponsored by The National Council of Synagogues and The USCCB Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs
- Resources for Understanding Islam
- “How Mary Holds Christians and Muslims In Conversation” [Cardinal William Keeler]