Ecumenism

[Image_of_God]

I know what Ecumenism is, but I am wondering to what extent do we participate in it. What does the Church want us to do? How do we do it?

Thanks.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I know what Ecumenism is, but I am wondering to what extent do we participate in it. What does the Church want us to do? How do we do it?

Thanks.

I would recomend first reading three documents:

The Vatican II Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Reintegratio

John Paul II’s Encyclical, Commitment to Ecumenism- Ut Unum Sint

Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity: Directory for the Application of the Principles and Norms of Ecumenism

Two related documents on Evangelization also help shed some light.

Pope Paul VI: Evangelii Nuntiandi

The U.S. Bishops document: Go Make Disciples

Remember that we as Catholics recognize other validly Baptized Christians as separated brother and sisters in Christ. But we do NOT recognize other “churches” as being equal to the Catholic Church in any way, shape or form. Except some Eastern Orthodox Churches.

 

[Image_of_God]

I would recomend first reading three documents:

The Vatican II Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Reintegratio

John Paul II’s Encyclical, Commitment to Ecumenism- Ut Unum Sint

Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity: Directory for the Application of the Principles and Norms of Ecumenism

Two related documents on Evangelization also help shed some light.

Pope Paul VI: Evangelii Nuntiandi

The U.S. Bishops document: Go Make Disciples

Remember that we as Catholics recognize other validly Baptized Christians as separated brother and sisters in Christ. But we do NOT recognize other “churches” as being equal to the Catholic Church in any way, shape or form. Except some Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Thanks! I will look them up online if I can. Another question…is it true that before VII, no Catholic could visit the Eastern Orthodox Churches or even pray with them?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Thanks! I will look them up online if I can. Another question…is it true that before VII, no Catholic could visit the Eastern Orthodox Churches or even pray with them?

Catholics were also before Vatican II prohibited from visiting Protestant communities unless they had serious need to and prermission. It must be remembered that Ecumenism or Christian unity is something to be prayed for and hoped for by every individual Catholic. But it is the responsibility of the Church to guide the process and make it a reality. Every Catholic is not authorized to go off and try to bring about re-union directly. We are called to do certain things as outlined in the documents, but must do so within the guidance of the Church.

 

[Image_of_God]

Thanks. I have read a few books on Ecumenism and I was suspicious of one.

It started to be overly nice about the issue and it seemed as if it were trying to make Protestant on the same level as Catholicism. It seemed as if they were forgetting that Protestantism is a heresy, but that it does have some truth which is good. However, I know I am not suppose to participate in false Ecumenism.

 

[ReginaNova]

It must be remembered that Ecumenism or Christian unity is something to be prayed for and hoped for by every individual Catholic. But it is the responsibility of the Church to guide the process and make it a reality. Every Catholic is not authorized to go off and try to bring about re-union directly. We are called to do certain things as outlined in the documents, but must do so within the guidance of the Church.

Thank you for making this point. That is my understanding too–that as individuals, it is not our responsibility to be forming “ecumenical” Bible study groups or “ecumenical” youth ministries. But rather “ecumenical” initiatives come from the Pope and the Church hierarchy.

 

[El_Paulo]

Thank you for making this point. That is my understanding too–that as individuals, it is not our responsibility to be forming “ecumenical” Bible study groups or “ecumenical” youth ministries. But rather “ecumenical” initiatives come from the Pope and the Church hierarchy.

^^ Are you saying here that Catholics are not at liberty pray or study the Bible with other Christians?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

^^ Are you saying here that Catholics are not at liberty pray or study the Bible with other Christians?

If a parish wants to have a parish Bible study and advertise it to the general public. If it is being lead by a person well grounded in Catholic Scripture study and theology, to insure that it will be a Catholic Scripture study. I see no problem with that. However if an individual decides to gather a mixed group without the guidance of the Church to read and discuss Scripture that is dangerous. Worse is if an individual wants to gather a small group of Catholics and Lutherans so that the Lutherans can learn the Catholic interpretation and the Catholics can learn the Lutheran interpretation. I was invited to and attended a weekly Methodist lectionary study. I went after speaking to the pastor of the Methodist community and with the understanding that I would be able to freely explain the Catholic interpretation of passages. Which he said was welcome. I attended for nearly 2 years. After the pastor was replaced I was told by the new pastor that the Catholic interpretation of certain Scripture passages would not be discussed in the group. I went one more time to thank the group for allowing me to participate.

 

[El_Paulo]

If a parish wants to have a parish Bible study and advertise it to the general public. If it is being lead by a person well grounded in Catholic Scripture study and theology, to insure that it will be a Catholic Scripture study. I see no problem with that. However if an individual decides to gather a mixed group without the guidance of the Church to read and discuss Scripture that is dangerous. Worse is if an individual wants to gather a small group of Catholics and Lutherans so that the Lutherans can learn the Catholic interpretation and the Catholics can learn the Lutheran interpretation.

To understand you correctly, a person who is competent can take a bible study and open it to other Christians etc, as long as it is with the authority and concent of the appropriate church representative, such as a parish priest. Am I right in saying that you are concerned with the problem of individual’s taking this authority on themselves?

Is it the same for praying with other Christians?

Also, is it always wrong for Catholics wanting to better understand a Lutheran’s biblical standpoint (and vice versa) to attend a joint bible study, permission or no permission?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

To understand you correctly, a person who is competent can take a bible study and open it to other Christians etc, as long as it is with the authority and concent of the appropriate church representative, such as a parish priest. Am I right in saying that you are concerned with the problem of individual’s taking this authority on themselves?

Is it the same for praying with other Christians?

Also, is it always wrong for Catholics wanting to better understand a Lutheran’s biblical standpoint (and vice versa) to attend a joint bible study, permission or no permission?

1. Yes
2. No, We may always pray with other Christians especially for Christian unity. Attending Protestant services is also possible when necessity warrants, such as with extended family.
3. It’s not always wrong. But a Catholic is first reminded to always guard their own faith, so great care must be taken.

 

[gardenswithkids]

I know what Ecumenism is, but I am wondering to what extent do we participate in it. What does the Church want us to do? How do we do it?

I think anytime we discuss our faith with others, we have an opportunity to participate in “inter-faith dialogs” on a small level.

In real life or on this forums we frequently encounter non-Catholic Christians who share our love for Jesus. Yet very real differences divide Protestants from Catholics. The differences are significant, and we must not abandon truth by acting as if all faiths are the same. Many swing to the other extreme, angrily pointing out the differences and making smug, offensive statements.

We must remain charitable at all times when discussing matters of faith. We must avoid making offensive statements, while still sharing the truth we know. We should not be quick to take offense, and we should assume the best intentions of the other.

 

[El_Paulo]

I think anytime we discuss our faith with others, we have an opportunity to participate in “inter-faith dialogs” on a small level.

In real life or on this forums we frequently encounter non-Catholic Christians who share our love for Jesus. Yet very real differences divide Protestants from Catholics. The differences are significant, and we must not abandon truth by acting as if all faiths are the same. Many swing to the other extreme, angrily pointing out the differences and making smug, offensive statements.

We must remain charitable at all times when discussing matters of faith. We must avoid making offensive statements, while still sharing the truth we know. We should not be quick to take offense, and we should assume the best intentions of the other.

I am in total agreement - it’s an approach that takes the differences seriously and acknowledges the points of commonality too. As a Catholic I am in a win-win situation - I can always learn something from another person of faith and remain un-compromised, and even be enriched, in my own faith.

 

[TOME]

Perhaps someone might accuse me of being on a Pope Benedict XVI “kick” and that is because I am. I have found no better work on Ecumenism from a Roman Catholic perspective than Pope Benedict’s work, “Truth and Tolerance” (Ignatius Press).

I strongly recommend everyone who is interested in this topic to read this great work (it must be great because liberals hate it).

 

[prv]

Agree with most ideas posted here.

1 point:

From a Catholic point of view, ecumenism can only occur insomuch as it agrees with what the Catholic Church teaches to be revealed from God.

For example:

A Catholic, Baptist, Episcopalian & Lutheran agree that Jesus Christ is God Himself. These then present a joint message to a non-Christian group to this effect.

Unacceptable: Catholics and Protestants join in a message to same non-Christian group that the Eucharist or Lord Supper as commanded by the Lord Himself only represents the Last Supper and is not truly Jesus Christ Himself re-presented to us underneath the form of, but not the substance of, bread and wine.

Also, to avoid, “ecumenical” activities where Catholic teaching is misrepresented or not represented at all, even if not in the form of joint messages.

Common prayer is acceptable according to the directions of the bishop. The Holy Mass is never one of them. (Of course, non-Catholics are welcome to attend, but it must be made clear, if they do not already understand this, that this is the primary worship of the Catholic Church, not an ecumenical service.)

All of this is coming from a layman with no experience at all in ecumenical activities. In all things, follow the directions of the hierarchy.

 

[Mike_Brick]

1. Yes
2. No, We may always pray with other Christians especially for Christian unity. Attending Protestant services is also possible when necessity warrants, such as with extended family.
3. It’s not always wrong. But a Catholic is first reminded to always guard their own faith, so great care must be taken.

Probably the most important thing a Catholic must rember when dealing with our separated brethren in the protestant churches is we cannot and must not talk as if we are speaking for the Church. How many of you have met ex-catholics who were baptized as a child, attended Mass on occasion, fell away and later joined a protestant church and soon after became that church’s resident expert on Catholic teaching, (a local church I mean)?

Nonetheless we must never be afraid to share our “Faith”!