A Brief Update from the Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC) Coordinating Council

By the Rev. Erin Betz Shank

I have been blessed to represent The Episcopal Church, alongside colleagues the Rev. Margaret Rose and the Rev. Maria Tjeltveit on CUIC’s Coordinating Council.  It is really important that The Episcopal Church remains a good and faithful partner in these ecumenical conversations and organizations. We can learn so much from each other—our joys, our sorrows, and what we can face together as the greater body of Christ in today’s world.  

Two things to note from our last meeting: 

1. I have been asked to chair the Education Task Force. The main function of this task force is to empower, educate, and create opportunities for young adults (primarily) to engage in ecumenical work and study. I participated in our recent 2024-25 cohort, and it was a very inspirational experience. We will soon be gathering applicants for the 2025-2026 cohort. If you or any young adult may be interested in participating in the upcoming cohort, send their information to Margaret Rose. 
2. There is a CUIC quarterly dialogue on Zoom; anyone who is a member of the participating communions is welcome to attend. In the latest meeting we discussed Jim Wallis’ book, “The False White Gospel,” from an ecumenical lens. It was very engaging and enlightening. If you are interested in joining these conversations, email Jean Hawxhurst at jhawxhurst@umc-cob.org.

The Rev. Erin Betz Shank is priest-in-charge at Middleham and St. Peter’s Episcopal Parish in Lusby, Maryland. She and her husband, Jason, live in Great Mills, Maryland, with their children, Chelsea and Emma, and cat, Phoebe.