The first Provincial Consultation, which took place in Madrid in February 1998, resulted in an affirmation of common faith and a pledge towards greater fellowship, collaboration and partnership by the bishops, clergy and lay delegates. The second Provincial Consultation was held in Porto, Portugal, from 27 to 29 May 1999. The group in Oporto had lively and constructive discussions as they grappled with the questions of where and how to move forward. While the goal of greater unity is clear, the exact form of that unity and the precise steps to take next are not so evident. Perhaps the most important next steps are to build closer relationships amongst the jurisdictions and the many parishes spread across Continental Europe.
Many actions require no formal change at all.
These include having observers and participants in one another's synods and other meetings, sharing training for laity and clergy, organizing joint retreats and youth activities, collaborating on mission projects, and exchanging more information. These areas for sharing and collaboration echo the priorities identified at the Mission 2000 Consultation of the Convocation in Nice. But it is this rich diversity in unity which offers so much to everyone as we discover one another through sharing in worship, learning and mission and grow to be more truly one. The participants from outside Portugal had a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse of the work of the Lusitanian Church in the community, with visits to one of the social centres for older people and then one of the primary and nursery schools both very lively and cheerful places. Saturday evening the participants were welcomed by one of the parishes with food and song a marvellous end to the long discussions.