The Washington Theological Consortium held a special symposium on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family in Washington, D.C. to honor the legacy of the renowned Catholic ecumenist, the late Fr. John Crossin, OSFS. A distinguished panel of theologians discussed insights from his final book, published months before his death, as family & friends shared reflections on his life.

Fr. Crossin died on May 12, 2023 at the age of 75. In addition to being Executive Director of the Consortium from 1998-2011, Crossin was a teacher, theologian, author and scholar. He also served as Executive Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C. and, in 2014, was named by Pope Francis as a consultant to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. In that capacity, Crossin was a member of the dicastery’s team for the Joint Working Group with the World Council of Churches.

Fr. Crossin was well-known to the schools of the Consortium, having taught at The Catholic University of America, Wesley Theological Seminary, Virginia Theological Seminary and Gettysburg Theological Seminary. He received the Consortium Ecumenism Award for 2021 when he offered that year’s Figel address on prospects for full communion among the Christian Churches.

Author of many books, his last was entitled Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm for Christian Ethics (Pickwick Publications, November 2022), in which he develops an ethic of ecumenism that includes the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the teaching and example of Jesus, biblical foundations, spiritual ecumenism and friendships, and pastoral relationships

The first video below features the panel of theologians discussing Fr. Crossin’s legacy and his book. Speakers were:

• Dr. Timothy Sedgwick, Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics, Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopalian)
• Fr. Don Heet, OSFS, Parochial Vicar, St. John Neumann parish, Reston, Va. (Roman Catholic, religious order of Oblates of St. Francis de Sales)
• Dr. Beverly Goines,  Assistant Teaching Professor, Georgetown University (Disciples of Christ)
• Dr. Kathleen Hope Brown, Saint Luke Institute, Silver Spring, Md. (Roman Catholic)

After the theological panel, family and friends shared many enjoyable and moving anecdotes about Fr. Crossin. Remembrances were offered by:

• Jack Figel, friend and Chair of the Board of the Washington Theological Consortium
• Loyes Spayd, friend and supporter
• Robert Crossin, Fr. Crossin’s brother
• Dr. Mitzie Budde, of Virginia Theological Seminary