The Chemin Neuf Community:
Serving the Church and the World
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For the Sake of Christ and the Gospel A Life of Work and Sharing A Passion for Unity Serving the Church and the World |
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Cana Mission Youth Mission Retreats & Healing Parish & Liturgy Ecumenical Study Music and the Arts |
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In France In English-speaking countries Throughout the world |
The Chemin Neuf Community came into being at a turning point in history, marked by the reconstruction of Europe after the Second World War, and by the determined progress of the ecumenical movement in the years following the Second Vatican Council. Our passion for unity is not just reserved for Christians, but is something that embraces all mankind: unity of families, of nations, between rich and poor ...
Chemin Neuf also stands at the intersection between two spiritual traditions: the charismatic renewal which swept through France in the early 1970s, with its emphasis on praise and its youthful energy; and Ignatian spirituality with its concern for discernment and careful reflection.
We feel that our calling to work for unity in this divided world is a vocation to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, echoing the words of St Paul in his letter to the Ephesians:
"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility ... His purpose was to create in himself one New Man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross." (Ephesians 2:14-16)
We know that the path towards unity is long and uncomfortable, and that the intersections can be dangerous places to be. Nonetheless, through experience, we have verified again and again that this path is really a new way, which leads us towards fullness of life.