Ponte Sant'Angelo

ENGLISH BUT INTERNATIONAL Over the years the composition of the community changes continually. At present the English mother tongue members - from the States, Britain, South Africa, Australia and Italy itself - are in the minority. We have however a very active and dedicated Filipino group, a dedicated Indonesian group, Asians also from Sri Lanka and India, and a number of Africans from Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa to name but a few of their countries of origin. The reasons for being in Rome and the occupations of its members vary: Ambassadors and UN and Embassy personnel, housekeepers and child carers, secretaries, technicians, businessmen, students, pensioners... METHODIST BUT MULTIDENOMINATIONAL In Rome there are a number of English language churches of different denominations, some more charismatic, some more traditional. One feels freer to choose the place one feels most comfortable and stimulating to one's faith, which is not necessarily that of the church back home. GOOD RELATIONSHIPS Ponte Sant'Angelo has good relationships with the other English language churches. Representatives from all the churches meet monthly in a small committee to share news and organise some joint events, For years these events have centred on the Week for Christian Unity in January, with a joint service on the Sunday, and different activities (Bible study, hymn singing, lectures) in the individual churches. There is also a joint "rice bowl" collection during Lent for a food-based project in different developing countries. PART OF THE MINORITY PROTESTANT CHURCH IN ITALY As a congregation of the Chiesa evangelica valdese we are part of the minority Protestant church in Italy in cooperation with the churches of the Federation of Protestant Churches, which is made up of Methodists, Waldensians, Lutherans, Baptists, the Salvation Army, and a number of free churches. RELATIONS WITH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH In Italy, where the Catholic church is obviously in the vast majority, we are part of a minority. But our relations with Catholic friends are cordial and indeed some of our members and their families are Catholic. The inter-exchange and appreciation of one another's views gives us an opportunity to grow in faith and help to overcome barriers. LIFE OF THE CONGREGATION With a community scattered wide across Rome and the surrounding areas, the Sunday morning service is the focus of our meeting together. It is difficult to organise activities during the week with long working hours and transport problems for getting home. We therefore meet for the 10.30 service - a Communion service on the first Sunday of the month and on festivals - and try to stay afterwards to share a cup of tea or coffee and have a chat with friends and visitors. The Filipino community have a Bible study in the church rooms. We would like to have a general prayer group but fixing a suitable time is an insuperable problem at the moment. The church is small but a real fountain of goodwill and inspiration. We need to draw on the many talents we have available, always respecting the time and transport difficulties of our members, and we need to be flexible to adapt to circumstances and needs as they arise. There is a need to involve each member in some way in participating - so that they feel that they belong and can give and receive freely.