True And False Ecumenism by the late Father John A. Hardon, S.J.
Since the close of the Second Vatican Council, many Catholics have sincerely initiated relationships with the churches separated from Rome without taking into full account the doctrinal foundations on which true ecumenism must be based. True ecumenism is the Christian unity that Christ Himself revealed. It is the unity which is not merely verbal but real. It is the unity which preserves all the essential elements of faith and morality prescribed by the Savior for those who are to be His followers in truth and not only in name.
True unity necessarily requires a clear and deep understanding of the premises of belief and practice required by the founder of the Church who died on the Cross because He refused to compromise with the truth. True unity is certainly animated by a deep Christian love. But this love must be founded on the truth which the Roman Catholic Church has preserved for twenty centuries and for which millions of her followers have shed their blood.
True unity is impossible without union with the Bishop of Rome, the successor of Peter on whom Christ promised to build His Church.
How To Promote True Christian Unity
The Catechism of the Catholic Church devotes a large section of its teaching to the promotion of true Christian unity. It identifies certain features of this ecumenical apostolate which are especially pertinent to professed Roman Catholics.
Among these responsibilities is first of all, a permanent renewal of the Church herself in the greater fidelity to her vocation. Such renewal is the driving force of the movement toward unity.
The Catholic faithful must strive for a conversion of heart, in order to "live holier lives according to the Gospel" (Decree on Ecumenism, 7,3). Why is this conversion so important? Because it is the unfaithfulness of the members to Christ's gift which causes divisions.
Prayer in common is strongly encouraged because "change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement and merits the name, spiritual ecumenism."
The Catholic faithful should be ecumenically formed, especially the priests. This means understanding what the non-Catholic Christians believe and how to cooperate with them in the promotion of authentic unity.
Theologians of the Catholic Church should engage in dialogue with their counterparts in Christian churches which are not in communion with the Holy See. Moreover, prudent meetings among Christians of the different churches and communities is recommended.
Finally, collaboration among Christians in meeting the needs of mankind is almost a formula for promoting authentic Christ-like ecumenism.
Since the beginnings of his pontificate, Pope John Paul II has been zealous in fostering Christian unity, with special concern for a re-unification of the Catholic Church with the Eastern Orthodox churches throughout the world. He sees the riches of spiritual depth among the Orthodox and is especially hopeful because of their strong devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. He never tires making overtures to the leaders of Eastern Orthodoxy in order to restore that unity with the See of Peter which is in the heart of authentic ecumenism.
Since the close of the Second Vatican Council, many Catholics have sincerely initiated relationships with the churches separated from Rome without taking into full account the doctrinal foundations on which true ecumenism must be based. True ecumenism is the Christian unity that Christ Himself revealed. It is the unity which is not merely verbal but real. It is the unity which preserves all the essential elements of faith and morality prescribed by the Savior for those who are to be His followers in truth and not only in name.
True unity necessarily requires a clear and deep understanding of the premises of belief and practice required by the founder of the Church who died on the Cross because He refused to compromise with the truth. True unity is certainly animated by a deep Christian love. But this love must be founded on the truth which the Roman Catholic Church has preserved for twenty centuries and for which millions of her followers have shed their blood.
True unity is impossible without union with the Bishop of Rome, the successor of Peter on whom Christ promised to build His Church.
How To Promote True Christian Unity
The Catechism of the Catholic Church devotes a large section of its teaching to the promotion of true Christian unity. It identifies certain features of this ecumenical apostolate which are especially pertinent to professed Roman Catholics.
Among these responsibilities is first of all, a permanent renewal of the Church herself in the greater fidelity to her vocation. Such renewal is the driving force of the movement toward unity.
The Catholic faithful must strive for a conversion of heart, in order to "live holier lives according to the Gospel" (Decree on Ecumenism, 7,3). Why is this conversion so important? Because it is the unfaithfulness of the members to Christ's gift which causes divisions.
Prayer in common is strongly encouraged because "change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement and merits the name, spiritual ecumenism."
The Catholic faithful should be ecumenically formed, especially the priests. This means understanding what the non-Catholic Christians believe and how to cooperate with them in the promotion of authentic unity.
Theologians of the Catholic Church should engage in dialogue with their counterparts in Christian churches which are not in communion with the Holy See. Moreover, prudent meetings among Christians of the different churches and communities is recommended.
Finally, collaboration among Christians in meeting the needs of mankind is almost a formula for promoting authentic Christ-like ecumenism.
Since the beginnings of his pontificate, Pope John Paul II has been zealous in fostering Christian unity, with special concern for a re-unification of the Catholic Church with the Eastern Orthodox churches throughout the world. He sees the riches of spiritual depth among the Orthodox and is especially hopeful because of their strong devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. He never tires making overtures to the leaders of Eastern Orthodoxy in order to restore that unity with the See of Peter which is in the heart of authentic ecumenism.
Thanks be to God!!!
