Fr. John Crossin, OSFS, Honored Posthumously
The International Journal of Evangelization and Catechetics has paid great honor to the late Fr. John Crossin, OSFS, in Vol. 4. No. 1. The Journal includes a tribute to him in the opening editorial, by including an article written by Fr. Crossin and with a review of his most recent book.
Fr. Crossin was a professed member of the Oblate community for 56 years and a priest for 47 years. A teacher, theologian, author, and scholar, Fr. Crossin was an expert in the field of Christian ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. His scholarship also focused on ethics, virtue, and friendship.
In the International Journal of Evangelization and Catechetics opening editorial, Raymond Studzinski, O.S.B., Ph.D., describes Fr. Crossin, “He was an outstanding ecumenist and moral theologian and made significant contributions to scholarship in both areas.” He continued, “John Crossin, in a world that knows too much division, worked throughout his life to bring people and ideas together in a morally and spiritually vibrant body of believers.”
Fr. Crossin’s article, “Developments in Ecumenism: What Catechists Need to Know,” (page 31) is also featured in this edition. The editor describes Fr. Crossin’s work, “John Crossin’s essay charts the progress that has been made toward overcoming division and restoring Christian unity. In contrast to what happens in a culture of polarization, Crossin suggests that catechists in their encounters with those of different faith traditions listen respectfully and build relationships where mutual understanding grows and an openness to the Holy Spirit prevails.”
A book review of Fr. Crossin’s last book, Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm for Christian Ethics is included in The Journal (page 98.) Janet Schaeffler, OP writes, “This book draws on multiple scholarly voices in the areas of Scripture, theology, science, and psychology as well as being rooted in spirituality and real-life experiences and reflections. This mixture of knowledge and experience can be a go-to resource for us in our individual faith journeys, in our faith formation ministries, and in our leadership in parishes and dioceses.”
Fr. Crossin served as the Executive Director of the Washington Theological Consortium for 14 years. He also taught at several theological schools, including Catholic University, Wesley Theological Seminary, Virginia Theological Seminary, and Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary. He was later Executive Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington, D.C. Fr. Crossin died on May 12, 2023. He is buried at the Oblate Cemetery in Childs, MD.
Read Fr. Crossin’s obituary here.
