ecumenism

[mick321]

I have been trying to gain an understanding of this by reading through archived threads but discussions often get bogged down [or worse] with talk of false ecumenism, reverse ecumenism, the spirit of ecumenism, the fruits of ecumenism, the landfill of ecumenism, etc.

1:: What does the concept of ecumenism mean and how does it relate to Catholic doctrine?

2:: Whatever it means, are non-clerical Catholics required to assent to this concept?

I would appreciate if those who wish to respond would kindly begin by completing the following statement:

"Ecumenism means that ________________________________."

[ie: “Transubstantiation means that at Consecration, bread and wine are changed into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ.”]

Thanks in advance for your patience and charity.

 

[Genesis315]

Cardinal Levada summed it up nicely the other day: “Union with the Catholic Church is the goal of ecumenism.”

Ecumenism, for Catholics, is the initiative to reunite separated Christians to the Catholic Church, in the fullness of truth–a true unity. It also, to some extent involves mutual cooperation towards common ends–such as defending the natural law in civil society.

Ecumenism also has a “corporate” character–it is primarily concerned with reuniting communites (like with the traditional Anglicans) rather than individual conversions (which is different, but complementary and just as important).

Ecumenism does not refer to initiatives towards the unbaptized–it only refers to Christians. Some individuals and groups see ecumenism as creating a “unity” based on the lowest common denominator–this is not Catholic ecumenism which seeks unity based on the fullness of Catholic truth.

Catholics have a duty from God to seek the unity of all people in the one true Church professing the one true faith–in that sense, we cannot reject ecumenism. On the other hand, I think there can be legitimate debate over whether certain practices and approaches further the true goal or not. From what I gather, most people who have a beef with ecumenism don’t dispute the principle, but rather whether certain actions and events, etc. are consonant with that principle.

 

[mick321]

Cardinal Levada summed it up nicely the other day: “Union with the Catholic Church is the goal of ecumenism.”

Ecumenism, for Catholics, is the initiative to reunite separated Christians to the Catholic Church, in the fullness of truth–a true unity. It also, to some extent involves mutual cooperation towards common ends–such as defending the natural law in civil society.

Ecumenism also has a “corporate” character–it is primarily concerned with reuniting communites (like with the traditional Anglicans) rather than individual conversions (which is different, but complementary and just as important).

Ecumenism does not refer to initiatives towards the unbaptized–it only refers to Christians. Some individuals and groups see ecumenism as creating a “unity” based on the lowest common denominator–this is not Catholic ecumenism which seeks unity based on the fullness of Catholic truth.

Catholics have a duty from God to seek the unity of all people in the one true Church professing the one true faith–in that sense, we cannot reject ecumenism. On the other hand, I think there can be legitimate debate over whether certain practices and approaches further the true goal or not. From what I gather, most people who have a beef with ecumenism don’t dispute the principle, but rather whether certain actions and events, etc. are consonant with that principle.

Thanks for your reply.

There have been many attempts within these forums and elsewhere to define, describe and/or give examples of ecumenism:

…ecumenism is…
…ecumenism is not…
…ecumenism has…
…ecumenism has not…
…the goal of ecumenism…
…the principal of ecumenism…

In my mind, these responses seem to put the cart before the horse.

In the interest of clarity allow me to revise my questions:

1:: What does the concept of ecumenism mean within a Catholic context?
2:: How does ecumenism relate to existing Catholic doctrine?
3:: Are lay Catholics required to assent to the concept of ecumenism?

To me, it seems useful to address the questions in the order in which they were presented, beginning with:
“Ecumenism means that ______.”.

Only after establishing that would it be appropriate to move on to ecumenism’s relationship to existing Catholic doctrine. Is ecumenism intended intended to modify existing doctrine? A doctrine unto itself? Or what? On whose authority?

Only after the above matters are resolved can we knowledgeably move on to the issue of who is required to give assent (or dissent, as the case may be). Indeed, the clerical community may legitimately be held to an entirely different standard of obedience than laypersons, depending on the answers to the first two questions.
.

 

[Malleus_01]

I have been trying to gain an understanding of this by reading through archived threads but discussions often get bogged down [or worse] with talk of false ecumenism, reverse ecumenism, the spirit of ecumenism, the fruits of ecumenism, the landfill of ecumenism, etc.

1:: What does the concept of ecumenism mean and how does it relate to Catholic doctrine?

2:: Whatever it means, are non-clerical Catholics required to assent to this concept?

I would appreciate if those who wish to respond would kindly begin by completing the following statement:

"Ecumenism means that Jesus meant it when he Said - I am the Way the Truth and the Life - no one Cometh to the Father but by Me and the fact that the Way the Truth and the Life are found in the 7 Sacraments he Instituted which can only be recieved in the CHURCH he instituted. Can the members of a False religion REJECT the Sacraments and the Church and be saved? True Ecumenism is believing and being baptised as in St Marks Holy Gospel not in he who believeth not. Being taught whatsoever he commanded in the name of the Father and of the Son and of The Holy Ghost. Eating the flesh of the Son of Man and drinking his Blood in Holy communion - Our Lord himself said UNLES one does this he shall not be saved , did he not. Yes there is True Ecumenism just as there is false Ecumenism Some say there is good in other religions. Well there very well may be - but there is Heresy too or it wouldnt be a false religion. Accepting heresy is not ok. Its like having two glasses of Milk and having one have two drops of poisen in it. Yes they both have plenty of Good Milk in them - But which one would you drink. The problem today is bad example. Yes we should try to convert false Religions to the One True faith. But that isnt accomplished by giving their false religion credibility by participating in its false worship. Should we have dialogue. Yes. But we dont need to see Bishops and Priests worshipping GOD side by side with Heretics in a false manner to have dialogue. Nor dies this lead to Conversion to the One True Religion revealed by GOD where true Ecumenism exists"

[ie: "Transubstantiation means that at Consecration, bread and wine are changed into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ.

"]

Thanks in advance for your patience and charity.