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Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue
 The Apostleship of the Sea
often establishes Stella Maris
Seafarers' Centres of its own, while at other times it
combines with other Christian churches in establishing
ecumenical Seafarers' Centres in all the world's major ports.
In 1969 the Apostleship of the Sea was one of the founding
members of The International Christian Maritime Association
(ICMA). Other founding members included
- Dutch Seafarers’ Mission
- Lutheran Maritime Mission
- Mission to Seafarers
- British and International Sailors' Society (now the
Sailors’ Society)
Today there are now 26 member societies which together offer
care and hospitality to seafarers around the world. ICMA on
behalf of it members,
liaises with organisations such as the International
Transport Federation and the International Shipping
Federation. ICMA now holds NGO status at the International
Labour Organisation and International Maritime Organisation,
both part of the United Nations.
The ICMA encourage chaplains and members to:
- show an unconditional love to the seafarer, created in the image of God, and a sincere
respect to his personal values and beliefs.
- serve all seafarers and their dependants regardless of
nationality, religion, culture, language, gender or race.
- fight prejudice, injustice and intolerance of any
kind.
Photograph: Mgr Jacques Harel, Apostleship of the Sea;
Revd Sakari Lehmuskallio, Finnish Seamen's Mission; & Revd
Berend van Dijken, Nederlandse Zeemanscentrale; taken
Apostleship of the Sea World Congress Rio Brazil 2002.
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Make every effort to keep the unity
of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body
and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you
were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and
Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:3-6 |
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