Most Catholics wouldn't automatically think that the upcoming Billy Graham Crusade would be a windfall for Catholic evangelization.
But in an ecumenically spirited agreement between Crusade organizers and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, participants in the Crusade who commit themselves to Christ and self-identify as Catholic on a registration card will have their names forwarded to the archdiocese.
"[Crusade organizers] want to be open to bringing people to Christ and that means Catholics as well. They approached us and we have a marvelous agreement with them," said Father Alexei Smith, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for the archdiocese.
The Greater Los Angeles Billy Graham Crusade will draw thousands to the Rose Bowl Nov. 18-21. More than 1,400 churches representing 100 denominations --- including the Catholic Church --- have participated in months of preparation.
Father Alexei Smith is serving on the executive committee where he said he has been "welcomed whole heartedly." He also is working with Deacon David Estrada, director of Synod Implementation, to determine how to reincorporate Catholic Crusade participants back into full sacramental life in the Catholic Church.
Follow-up regional evenings of prayer, scripture study and small group sharing are being planned. Participants will be assisted to identify "welcome home" parish programs, or Bible study groups or to begin an annulment process.
Father Smith said that the last time Billy Graham held a Crusade in San Diego more than 1,500 names of Catholics were forwarded to the Diocese of San Diego.
"This is ecumenicity at its finest. We're all working for the same goal to bring people to Christ, but there's no sheep stealing," said Father Smith, adding "these people are serious about evangelization, and so should we be."
While Billy Graham focuses on reaching out to fallen away Christians or non-believers, his message often inspires practicing Christians as well.
In early October Cardinal Roger Mahony wrote to priests saying that parishioners could be encouraged to attend the Crusade if they asked their priests about it.
"While there are some doctrinal differences in our theologies, we can certainly support Dr. Graham's core message of the need for conversion of life and the establishment of a personal relationship with Jesus," wrote the cardinal. Editor's note: For program details about the Greater Los Angeles Billy Graham Crusade, see www.billygraham.org.
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