CLEVELAND — I was appointed to be the senior pastor of what was then First United Methodist Church of Cleveland in 1986. I was not long in the city before coming to realize that one of the most influential persons in this city was Bishop Anthony Pilla of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. I wanted to meet him.
It was not usual at the time for a Protestant clergyperson serving a large parish in Cleveland to have the opportunity not only to meet, but also come to know and work with, the Roman Catholic bishop of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. But then, not all Roman Catholic bishops were like Anthony Pilla.
I called his office one afternoon in late 1988. I asked his secretary at the time, Father Timothy O’Connor, if I might have an appointment to meet the bishop and have conversation with him. Father Tim was polite and surprised at the request, wondering what I might want to talk about. But, after some moments, he indicated that, while he could not promise anything, he would pass along my request to the bishop.
Bishop Pilla agreed to meet with me. I was thrilled. The meeting took place in Bishop Pilla’s reception area at his diocesan office and residence complex adjacent to St. John Cathedral downtown. Most impressive.
But what was beyond all impressiveness was Bishop Pilla himself. Our conversation was an engaging one, as we discussed urban ministry, the challenges to people of faith in our secularized society, his view of the role of the Church in the City, and how we might be united in efforts for good. I found myself saying, “Bishop, I know we are Protestants, but would you consider coming to First Church and preaching for a Sunday service?”
Bishop Pilla agreed. His sermon and presence in the midst of a crowd of incredulous Protestants that morning was a moment none in attendance would forget. And, it was the beginning of many meaningful moments and initiatives across succeeding years.
He invited me to participate in his widely acclaimed and needed Church in the City effort. I was invited, as well, one Maundy Thursday, to participate – robed and in the procession – to be seated near the bishop in the chancel during the Mass at St. John Cathedral. In Bishop Pilla’s words before the packed cathedral congregation that day, I was to be “the representative of the greater Church’s aspiration to overcome the things which divide us and celebrate the love of God that unites us.”
Bishop Pilla also became my friend. He was a guest in our home for dinner on several occasions. They were happy, informal, relaxing times. I remember one particular evening when the Bishop became engaged talking with our son, who at the time was employed at a local McDonald’s. It was not theology or ecclesiology or any consequential matter impacting the city, but the good bishop was enthralled listening to what it was like to work the counters, prepare the Big Macs, keep the french fries ready and learn a host of other behind-the-scenes Mickey D things. Great smiles all around.
In 2000, when the United Methodist worldwide denomination was casting about for a location for its General Conference, I enlisted Bishop Pilla to offer what was a dynamic and unique invitation to the Commission on General Conference of the United Methodist Church. He invited the commission to dinner at the diocese and spoke about the efforts for unity in our city of all people of faith. He gave examples of efforts in local churches, synagogues, and mosques to accomplish just that. There is absolutely no question that the single greatest reason the General Conference of the United Methodist Church in the year 2000 was held in the city of Cleveland was because Roman Catholic Bishop Anthony Pilla invited the denomination to come here.
Some years after his retirement as bishop of Cleveland, I invited Bishop Pilla to come and preach from the pulpit of University Circle United Methodist Church. He agreed. Before the large congregation gathered that Sunday morning, the good bishop said, “If you find a perfect church, don’t join it because it won’t be perfect anymore. There is always only God’s perfect grace for us all.” And he also said, “Ken, as I reflect on my work and our work across the years, I like to think we did some good.”
Indeed, Bishop Anthony Pilla, you did great good for us all.
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker served as senior pastor of First Church, Cleveland and University Circle United Methodist Church from 1986 until his retirement in 2018. Presently, he serves on the Cuyahoga County Citizens’ Advisory Council on Equity.
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