It is absolutely clear that ecumenism, the movement providing Christian unity, is not just some sort of "appendix" which is added to the Church's traditional activity. Rather ecumenism is an organic part of her life and work, and consequently must pervade all that she is and does.

History of Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs
in the Diocese of Richmond

	Under the leadership of Bishop John J. Russell following Vatican Council II, the Diocese of Richmond was the third diocese in the world to create a Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs.
	The Diocese of Richmond participated in the Virginia Council of Churches (VCC) Faith and Order Commission until 1990 when theDiocese became a full member of the VCC.
	Bishop Walter F. Sullivan continued the diocese's ecumenical commitment initiated by Bishop Russell when Bishop Sullivan chose as his motto, "To Unite All in Christ," as his episcopal motto in 1970.
	In 1970 Bishop Sullivan fostered the Stuart Circle Parish, a federation of various faith traditions, in Richmond's Fan District with the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart participating.
	In 1977 Bishop Sullivan in collaboration with the Bishop David Rose, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, establishd the Church of the Holy Apostles in Virginia Beach. This parish is a shared congregation of Episcopal and Roman Catholics with co-pastors and membership from each tradition.
	Expressing his commitment and solidarity with the Jewish Community, Bishop Sullivan dedicated the statue, "Rachel Weeping for Her Children" on the grounds of the Cathedral on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Day), April 26, 1987.
	A LARC (Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic) Covenant was inaugurated in 1990 and binds together these three faith traditions to illuminate, celebrate and advance the cause of Christian Unity among Lutherans, Anglicans and Roman Catholics in Virginia at the judicatory, regional and congregational levels.

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