Jumping Out of the Self-Referential Box: The Church in the 21st Century

On January 19, 2002 the Washington Arts Group hosted a seminar and children's icon workshop at the Chapel of St. Philip the Evangelist in Anacostia. Despite the snowy weather, nearly sixty people from throughout Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. the lectures and special events.

Speakers such as Dr. Konstantin Ivanov, Dean of Theology at Dietrich Bonhoeffer Theological Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia, and University of Virginia English Professor Dr. Alison Milbank addressed the place of mystery in contemporary religious community. Other speakers, such as Dr. Charles C. Haynes, Senior Scholar at the Freedom Forum's First Amendment Center, addressed the complex issue of religious liberty in the public sqaure. Attendees also participated in several breakout sessions, such as a discussion mentoring in the inner city with Hillary John of Friends for the children.

Over twenty-four children from local public elementary schools and congregations in Anacostia attended a special icon workshop directed by Iconographer Christopher Gosey. Under Mr. Gosey's instruction, the children learned about the ancient art of Ethiopian iconography and created an authentic icon of "The Suffering Christ." The children presented the icon as a gift to St. Philip's during a special worship celebration at the end of the day in the church sanctuary.

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