More about Rev. John W. Crossin, OSFS
Symposium to Honor Fr. Crossin’s Legacy on April 18th
Crossin-Oblate Family Partnership
Honoring Rev. John W. Crossin, OSFS, Ph.D
1947-2023
Oblate Priest, Theologian, Ecumenist
What is the Crossin-Oblate Family Partnership?
The family of Fr. Crossin, together with his Oblate brothers and colleagues in the ecumenical world, have joined together to honor his life’s work. Since Fr. John’s passing, a partnership has been formed to promote his publications and continue the ecumenical dialogue to which he dedicated this life.
We look forward to sharing Fr. John’s work through these initiatives:
Regular book reviews and distribution of Fr. John’s most recent book, Moving into the Ecumenical Future (purchase here)
Featuring Fr. John’s work at a The Ecumenical Future: Symposium at Washington Theological Consortium (April 18, 2024)
Oblate high schools’ ecumenism and unity essay contest
Establishment of a grant for seminarians to host an ecumenical program at the parish level
Publication of a Festschriff containing academic articles focused on key themes of Fr. John’s research
“Fr. Crossin, ecumenical expert and US bishops' former advisor, dies at 75,” National Catholic Reporter,
Articles by Fr. Crossin
“What is Salesian Friendship?” A series of essays on Spiritual Friendship
“Will Christian Unity Come Sooner Than We Think,” Ecumenical Trends, 51/1 (January/February 2022):18-23,
“Moving into the Ecumenical Future,” Louvain Studies 44(2021): 152-172.
“Moral Actions: The Person Acting and Pope Francis,” Ecumenical Trends 47/5 (May 2018): 7-10, 14-15.
“Occasional Reflections on the Declaration on the Way,” Ecumenical Trends 46/6 (June 2017): 1-3.
“Ecumenical Reflections on Moral Discernment,” Journal of Ecumenical Studies (Fall 2015): 561-82.
“The Church: Towards a Common Vision,” Ecumenical Trends 43/10 (November 2014):2-4.
“Prudence and the Future: An Ecumenically Shaped Ethic,” Journal of Ecumenical Studies 45:3 (Summer 2010): 426-32
“Christian Identities: Necessary but not Sufficient,” Ecumenical Trends 38/2 (February 2009):17-18, 30.
“Ecumenical Relationships and Dialogue Today: Insights from the Salesian Tradition,” in Human Encounter in the Salesian Tradition (Rome: International Commission for Salesian Studies, 2007): 409-424.
“What Does God Want Us to Do? A Meditation on Discernment,” Ecumenical Trends 36/10 (November 2007):145-149.
“Love for the Poor: God’s Love for the Poor and the Church’s Witness to It” co-authored with Shaun Casey, Eric H. Crump, A. Katherine Grieb, Beverly Mitchell and Ann K. Riggs for the National Council of Churches of Christ, 2005.
“Virtue as an Ecumenical Ethic,” Ecumenical Trends (February 2005): 28-31.
“Salesian Mysticism,” Review for Religious 62/2 (2003): 144-52.
“Reflections on Salesian Anthropology” in With Mind and Heart Renewed: A Festschrift for John F. Harvey, OSFS (Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 2001).
“A Meditation on Humility,” in We Are All Brothers-3: A collection of essays in honor of Archbishop Vsevolod of Scopelos, Ed. Jack Figel (Fairfax, VA: Eastern Christian Publications, 2007): 181-91.
“The Holy Spirit: Ecumenical Reflections,” in Seminary Ridge Review (Autumn 2006):5-11. [This is an address given at the Opening Academic Convocation of Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary.]
[19th Annual] Bernardin Lecture on Jewish-Catholic relations
Article on Fr. John’s newest book: Christian unity may not be so far off, says former head of bishops’ ecumenical office
Fr. John Crossin, OSFS, Honored Posthumously
Rev. John W. Crossin, OSFS, 1947-2023
REV. JOHN W. CROSSIN, OSFS
Oblate Priest, Theologian, Ecumenist
With sadness, but with faith in the Resurrection, we announce that our brother, Rev. John W. Crossin, OSFS, died at the age of 75, on May 12, 2023, after a brief illness.
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.
John was born on May 17, 1947, in Philadelphia, the oldest of four children of John William and Marie (Astley) Crossin. He attended Father Judge High School in Philadelphia and joined the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales after graduation in 1965. John had been a scholar and athlete at Judge and declined several scholarships, including to the University of Pennsylvania, to enter religious life. John made his First Profession of vows in 1967 and his Perpetual Profession of vows in 1971. For his apostolic internship, John taught Math at Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia.
John earned a B.S., summa cum laude, in Mathematics at Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales (now DeSales University). He also earned an M.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Psychology from The Catholic University of America. Fr. John was ordained a priest on May 15, 1976, at Our Lady of Ransom Church in Philadelphia. Subsequently, Fr. Crossin taught religion at Salesianum School in Wilmington for a year. In 1982, John received his Ph.D. in Moral Theology from Catholic University.
Throughout the 1980s, Fr. John was on the faculty and formation team at the Oblate seminary in Washington, D.C., and served as religious superior. In 1987, Fr. Crossin became President of the De Sales School of Theology.
In 1999, Fr. John was appointed the Executive Director of the Washington Theological Consortium, where he served for the next fourteen years. During this time he also taught at several theological schools, including Catholic University, Wesley Theological Seminary, Virginia Theological Seminary, and Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary.
From 2012 to 2017, Fr. John served as Executive Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington, D.C. During this time, Fr. John was a visiting fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University, President of the North American Academy of Ecumenists and a Consultor to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity at the Vatican. In the latter capacity, Fr. Crossin was a member of the Pontifical Council’s team for the Joint Working Group with the World Council of Churches.
Fr. John served on the boards of many organizations in the Church and in his religious community. He was the Assistant General Treasurer for the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, a member of the Province Planning Committee and the Province Vocations Committee, and was twice elected a Provincial Counselor of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province.
Upon completing his term at the USCCB, Fr. Crossin became Director of Spiritual Formation at the St. Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland. Subsequently, Fr. John had a research sabbatical during which he wrote his latest book, Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm for Christian Ethics (published in 2022). In addition to this title, Fr. Crossin is also the author of the following books: What Are They Saying About Virtue (1985), Walking in Virtue: Moral Decisions and Spiritual Growth in Daily Life (1998), Everyday Virtues (2002), and Friendship: The Key to Spiritual Growth (2014). Throughout his long career, Fr. Crossin contributed numerous articles to many theological and ecumenical journals.
Recognized as a national leader in ecumenism, Fr. John was the recipient of the Interfaith Bridge Builders Award of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, the Pillar of Faith Award of the Howard University School of Divinity/United Church of Christ and the Washington Theological Consortium Ecumenical Award. He was also a member of the Catholic Theological Society of America, the Society of Christian Ethics, and the Thomas More Society of Washington. Fr. John also served on the board of De Sales University and on the Ethics Committee at Providence Hospital in D.C.
Throughout his many years in the Washington/Northern Virginia area, Fr. Crossin ministered on weekends at Annunciation Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Washington, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Vienna, Virginia, and St. John Neumann Parish community in Reston, Virginia. Fr. John retired to Reston in 2022 so that he could concentrate on his writing and assist in the parish.
He also continued to be a beloved spiritual director to many people in the area, including the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales and members of the Cursillo community.
Fr. Crossin is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his Oblate confreres, his brother James (Kathy), his brother Robert (Barbara), his sister Ann Larkin (Joseph) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Fr. John lived a life dedicated to living the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, the gentleman saint. He brought the lessons and inspiration of Francis into his academic and pastoral work. He was passionate about exploring the breadth of the Christian faith and finding common ground with all faiths. In reflecting on his most recent book, Fr. John was most optimistic that it may be the foundation for an international dialogue about ecumenical studies. He reflected, “I hope this book will help bring us together, which is Jesus’ will at the Last Supper; pray that we be one.”
An educator throughout his life, in his final weeks, Fr. John taught us how to live in the present moment. May he experience the fullness of God’s presence, which he saw revealed in Scripture, the Church and Salesian Spirituality. May he rest in peace.
Arrangements:
The wake for Fr. Crossin will be held on Wednesday, May 17 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at St. John Neumann Parish Community in Reston, Virginia, followed by Mass of Christian Burial 3:00 pm. A reception will follow the Mass.
Another viewing will be held at the Oblate Retirement Residence in Childs, Maryland, on Thursday, May 18. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in the Oblate Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. and Mrs. Robert & Barbara Crossin
140 New Road
Southampton, PA 18966
In memory of Father Crossin’s life and legacy, donations may be made to the Oblate Development Fund, P.O. Box 87, Childs, MD 21916-0087 or here.
Father John Crossin's Publications
Books:
Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm for Christian Ethics (2023)
Everyday Virtues (2002)
Walking in Virtue: Moral Decisions and Spiritual Growth in Daily Life (1998)
Friendship: The Key to Spiritual Growth (1997)
What Are They Saying About Virtue (1985)
Recent Articles:
“Fr. Crossin, ecumenical expert and US bishops' former advisor, dies at 75,” National Catholic Reporter,
“Will Christian Unity Come Sooner Than We Think,” Ecumenical Trends, 51/1 (January/February 2022):18-23,
“Moving into the Ecumenical Future,” Louvain Studies 44(2021): 152-172.
“Moral Actions: The Person Acting and Pope Francis,” Ecumenical Trends 47/5 (May 2018): 7-10, 14-15.
“Occasional Reflections on the Declaration on the Way,” Ecumenical Trends 46/6 (June 2017): 1-3.
“Ecumenical Reflections on Moral Discernment,” Journal of Ecumenical Studies (Fall 2015): 561-82.
“The Church: Towards a Common Vision,” Ecumenical Trends 43/10 (November 2014):2-4.
“Prudence and the Future: An Ecumenically Shaped Ethic,” Journal of Ecumenical Studies 45:3 (Summer 2010): 426-32
“Christian Identities: Necessary but not Sufficient,” Ecumenical Trends 38/2 (February 2009):17-18, 30.
“Ecumenical Relationships and Dialogue Today: Insights from the Salesian Tradition,” in Human Encounter in the Salesian Tradition (Rome: International Commission for Salesian Studies, 2007): 409-424.
“What Does God Want Us to Do? A Meditation on Discernment,” Ecumenical Trends 36/10 (November 2007):145-149.
“Love for the Poor: God’s Love for the Poor and the Church’s Witness to It” co-authored with Shaun Casey, Eric H. Crump, A. Katherine Grieb, Beverly Mitchell and Ann K. Riggs for the National Council of Churches of Christ, 2005.
“Virtue as an Ecumenical Ethic,” Ecumenical Trends (February 2005): 28-31.
“Salesian Mysticism,” Review for Religious 62/2 (2003): 144-52.
“Reflections on Salesian Anthropology” in With Mind and Heart Renewed: A Festschrift for John F. Harvey, OSFS (Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 2001).
“A Meditation on Humility,” in We Are All Brothers-3: A collection of essays in honor of Archbishop Vsevolod of Scopelos, Ed. Jack Figel (Fairfax, VA: Eastern Christian Publications, 2007): 181-91.
“The Holy Spirit: Ecumenical Reflections,” in Seminary Ridge Review (Autumn 2006):5-11. [This is an address given at the Opening Academic Convocation of Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary.]
[19th Annual] Bernardin Lecture on Jewish-Catholic relations
Article on Fr. John’s newest book: Christian unity may not be so far off, says former head of bishops’ ecumenical office
Online Presentations
"Ecumenical & Interreligious Sensitivity in Preaching"
“Personal Prayer and the Mystery of God”
Pope Benedict's Efforts in Ecumenical Dialogue
Father Crossin, OSFS featured in Arlington Herald
Father John W. Crossin, OSFS
The Arlington Catholic Herald recently ran an article entitled, "Christian unity may not be so far off, says former head of bishops’ ecumenical office.” This features the newest book by Father John W. Crossin, OSFS, Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm for Christian Ethics. This book was the topic of a talk Father Crossin gave at St. John Neumann Parish (Reston, VA) earlier this month. In the article, Father John is described as "an optimistic ecumenist." From the article: “As an Oblate, Father Crossin’s 50-plus years of formation in the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales certainly contributes to his hopeful stance."
Father Crossin’s book proposes ten pillars for common Christian Ethics and invites dialogue on the topic. He holds a Ph.D. in Moral Theology, served as Executive Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and has published books and articles on Virtue Ethics and Salesian Spirituality.
Father Crossin will speak on “The Church and the World” on Friday, March 31 at 7:00 pm at St. John Neumann Church, 11900 Lawyers Rd., Reston, VA.
To purchase the book click on: Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm of Christian Ethics
Father John W. Crossin, OSFS, Explores the Ecumenical Future
While praying on a retreat at Trappist Monastery (Holy Cross Abbey) in Winchester, Virginia, Father John W. Crossin, OSFS, felt a strong calling. A theologian and author, he has two decades of expertise and knowledge in the areas of ecumenism but on retreat, he felt compelled to explore ecumenical ethics further.
Father Crossin recalls his self-reflection during the retreat, “We (different Christian groups) will always differ on issues of personal morality and we haven’t dialogued on this as we have on other topics, so why not rely on the Holy Spirit?”
Thus, Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm of Christian Ethics was born. This book provides a common framework in approaching moral issues. Father Crossin reminds us that the Pope invites tension and disagreement so we can come to a common understanding. In the book, Father Crossin reflects on the moral debates and issues between Christians and invites readers to prayer and dialogue on these.
Structured around ten fundamental pillars, Father Crossin explores foundational influences and how they contribute to the understanding of Christian ethics. The text begins with the Holy Spirit as Father Crossin believes all Christian traditions should rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Subsequent chapters consider pastoral input, the teaching and example of Jesus, biblical teachings, and our relationships with God and one another in developing paradigms for ecumenical ethics.
There are echoes of Salesian Spirituality throughout the entire book. Father Crossin explains that he considers Saint Francis de Sales’ lessons appropriate for dialogue on ecumenical ethics, specifically, his encouragement to be gentle, to be in dialogue and that the will is more important than the intellect. There is also a section dedicated to Salesian Spirituality. This is the focus because, Crossin explains, spirituality is a foundation of morality. It provides an area of discussion where one can meet another with differing views with respect and grounds for convincing. The book seeks reconciliation between Protestants and Catholics, and Salesian Spirituality, through its gentleness, practicality, and humility, can lead to the coming together of two opposing sides. When Saint Francis de Sales dealt with those who held different positions he treated them (and everyone) all in the image of God. Father Crossin encourages our discussions on Christian ethics to follow this model of being gentle and charitable to those with which we may disagree.
Father Crossin, OSFS, entered the Oblates in 1965 and has served in ecumenical work for over 20 years. He is the former Executive Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and holds a Ph.D. in Moral Theology from The Catholic University of America. His publications include books related to virtue ethics and numerous articles on Salesian Spirituality. He also served as Director of the Washington Theological Consortium, Director of the Spiritual Formation program at Saint Luke Institute, and President of De Sales School of Theology. Father Crossin has worked with other religions and Christians spending five years on the road traveling to conferences.
Father John W. Crossin, OSFS
He sees this book as an extension of his two decades of work in ecumenism. He recognizes that achieving full agreement on Christian ethics will probably never occur but he hopes his book makes a contribution and says, “Who knows what the Holy Spirit will do if we prayerfully consider all this?”
He says he considers this publication a starting place for ecumenical studies and a foundation for discussion for international dialogue to dive deeper in ecumenical studies. “I hope in reading this book others will see some light and it will help bring us together, which is Jesus’ will at the Last Supper; that we be one.”
Father Crossin said he wants “to help build relations between opposing sides by providing biblical and pastoral models to ecumenical studies as well as Salesian views on this topic.” A review by Kathryn Johnson, former Director for Ecumenical Relations for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America suggests he achieved this. She said, "This is a book of hope and summons. Where many despair that differences on moral teaching must inhibit ecumenical growth, John Crossin musters multidisciplinary hosts of resources to root dialogical openness at the heart of mature Christian life. Then, as a moral theologian, he proposes steps forward on the way toward unifying (while appropriately diverse) witness on the unavoidable matters of how to live--all with humility, love, and trust in the Spirit of God.”
To purchase the book click on: Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm of Christian Ethics
