Pope, Lutheran leader pledge to work for restored communion [CC]

[Don_Ruggero]

Many souls have perhaps been damned by Luther’s heresy. I do feel bad for him though

What an absolutely remarkable thing to read.

As a priest, I give thanks to Almighty God for all those who came to know Christ and His Gospel by whatever means the Lord used to draw them to Himself.

And as for a Catholic who would make any pronouncement about the salvation of others, I remember the eloquent words of the Council Fathers in Lumen Gentium

They are fully incorporated in the society of the Church who, possessing the Spirit of Christ accept her entire system and all the means of salvation given to her, and are united with her as part of her visible bodily structure and through her with Christ, who rules her through the Supreme Pontiff and the bishops. The bonds which bind men to the Church in a visible way are profession of faith, the sacraments, and ecclesiastical government and communion. He is not saved, however, who, though part of the body of the Church, does not persevere in charity. He remains indeed in the bosom of the Church, but, as it were, only in a “bodily” manner and not “in his heart.” All the Church’s children should remember that their exalted status is to be attributed not to their own merits but to the special grace of Christ. If they fail moreover to respond to that grace in thought, word and deed, not only shall they not be saved but they will be the more severely judged.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

Now if we could just do this with the Methodists and Evangelicals my family would be set!

But we are doing this with the Methodists. Are you not aware?

en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/04/07/pope_francis_addresses_methodist_guests_full_text/1220885

*Meeting of His Holiness Pope Francis
with Members of the World Methodist Council,
the Methodist Council of Europe, and
the Methodist Church in Britain

Thursday, 7 April 2016

Dear brothers and sisters,

I offer warm greetings to you in this Easter season, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord who enlightens the whole world. We come together united in the faith that Jesus is Lord and that God has raised him from the dead. This baptismal faith makes us truly brothers and sisters. I greet also the bodies that you represent: the World Methodist Council, the Methodist Council of Europe and the Methodist Church in Britain.

I was pleased to learn of the opening of the Methodist Ecumenical Office in Rome. It is a sign of our growing closeness, and particularly of our shared desire to overcome all that stands in the way of our full communion. May the Lord bless the work of the office and make it a place where Catholics and Methodists can encounter one another and grow in appreciation of one another’s faith, whether they be groups of pilgrims, those training for ministry, or those who guide their communities. May it also be a place where the progress achieved through our theological dialogue is made known, celebrated, and advanced.

Almost fifty years have passed since our joint commission began its work. Although differences remain, ours is a dialogue based on respect and fraternity, one which enriches both our communities. The document currently being prepared, which should be published later this year, clearly witnesses to this. Building on the Methodist acceptance of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, it has as its theme “The Call to Holiness”. Catholics and Methodists have much to learn from one another in how we understand holiness and how it can be lived out. We both must do what we can to ensure that members of our respective congregations meet regularly, come to know one another, and encourage one another to seek the Lord and his grace. When we read the Scriptures, either alone or in a group, but always in an atmosphere of prayer, we open ourselves to the Father’s love, given in his Son and in the Holy Spirit. Even where differences remain between our communities, these can and must become the impetus for reflection and dialogue.

John Wesley, in his Letter to a Roman Catholic, wrote that Catholics and Methodists are called to “help each other on in whatever . . . leads to the Kingdom”. May the new common statement encourage Methodists and Catholics to help one another in our lives of prayer and devotion. In the same letter, Wesley also wrote, “if we cannot as yet think alike in all things, at least we may love alike”. It is true that we do not as yet think alike in all things, and that on issues regarding ordained ministries and ethics, much work remains to be done. However, none of these differences constitute such an obstacle as to prevent us from loving in the same way and offering a common witness to the world. Our lives of holiness must always include a loving service to the world; Catholics and Methodists together are bound to work in different ways in order to give concrete witness to the love of Christ. When we serve those in need, our communion grows.

In today’s world, afflicted by so much evil, it is more than ever vital that as Christians we offer a joint witness inspired by the light of Easter, becoming a sign of the love of God, which in the resurrection of Jesus is victorious. May this love, also through our humble and courageous service, reach the hearts and lives of our many brothers and sisters who are looking for such love even without knowing it. “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 15: 57).*
You might also profit from reading this from Radio Vaticana: en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/04/07/catholics,_methodists_walking_together_in_service_to_world/1220987

 

[Upgrade25]

What an absolutely remarkable thing to read.

As a priest, I give thanks to Almighty God for all those who came to know Christ and His Gospel by whatever means the Lord used to draw them to Himself.

And as for a Catholic who would make any pronouncement about the salvation of others, I remember the eloquent words of the Council Fathers in Lumen Gentium

They are fully incorporated in the society of the Church who, possessing the Spirit of Christ accept her entire system and all the means of salvation given to her, and are united with her as part of her visible bodily structure and through her with Christ, who rules her through the Supreme Pontiff and the bishops. The bonds which bind men to the Church in a visible way are profession of faith, the sacraments, and ecclesiastical government and communion. He is not saved, however, who, though part of the body of the Church, does not persevere in charity. He remains indeed in the bosom of the Church, but, as it were, only in a “bodily” manner and not “in his heart.” All the Church’s children should remember that their exalted status is to be attributed not to their own merits but to the special grace of Christ. If they fail moreover to respond to that grace in thought, word and deed, not only shall they not be saved but they will be the more severely judged.

I was speaking of those who accepted his heresy who were catholic. I added “perhaps” after 5 minutes thinking that the Church makes no pronouncements on who is saved or damned. However, I will keep the words of the Council Fathers in mind. Thank you, Father.

 

[Convert_in_99]

But we are doing this with the Methodists. Are you not aware?

en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/04/07/pope_francis_addresses_methodist_guests_full_text/1220885

*Meeting of His Holiness Pope Francis
with Members of the World Methodist Council,
the Methodist Council of Europe, and
the Methodist Church in Britain

Thursday, 7 April 2016

Dear brothers and sisters,

I offer warm greetings to you in this Easter season, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord who enlightens the whole world. We come together united in the faith that Jesus is Lord and that God has raised him from the dead. This baptismal faith makes us truly brothers and sisters. I greet also the bodies that you represent: the World Methodist Council, the Methodist Council of Europe and the Methodist Church in Britain.

I was pleased to learn of the opening of the Methodist Ecumenical Office in Rome. It is a sign of our growing closeness, and particularly of our shared desire to overcome all that stands in the way of our full communion. May the Lord bless the work of the office and make it a place where Catholics and Methodists can encounter one another and grow in appreciation of one another’s faith, whether they be groups of pilgrims, those training for ministry, or those who guide their communities. May it also be a place where the progress achieved through our theological dialogue is made known, celebrated, and advanced.

Almost fifty years have passed since our joint commission began its work. Although differences remain, ours is a dialogue based on respect and fraternity, one which enriches both our communities. The document currently being prepared, which should be published later this year, clearly witnesses to this. Building on the Methodist acceptance of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, it has as its theme “The Call to Holiness”. Catholics and Methodists have much to learn from one another in how we understand holiness and how it can be lived out*. We both must do what we can to ensure that members of our respective congregations meet regularly, come to know one another, and encourage one another to seek the Lord and his grace. When we read the Scriptures, either alone or in a group, but always in an atmosphere of prayer, we open ourselves to the Father’s love, given in his Son and in the Holy Spirit. Even where differences remain between our communities, these can and must become the impetus for reflection and dialogue.

John Wesley, in his Letter to a Roman Catholic, wrote that Catholics and Methodists are called to “help each other on in whatever . . . leads to the Kingdom”. May the new common statement encourage Methodists and Catholics to help one another in our lives of prayer and devotion. In the same letter, Wesley also wrote, “if we cannot as yet think alike in all things, at least we may love alike”. It is true that we do not as yet think alike in all things, and that on issues regarding ordained ministries and ethics, much work remains to be done. However, none of these differences constitute such an obstacle as to prevent us from loving in the same way and offering a common witness to the world. Our lives of holiness must always include a loving service to the world; Catholics and Methodists together are bound to work in different ways in order to give concrete witness to the love of Christ. When we serve those in need, our communion grows.

In today’s world, afflicted by so much evil, it is more than ever vital that as Christians we offer a joint witness inspired by the light of Easter, becoming a sign of the love of God, which in the resurrection of Jesus is victorious. May this love, also through our humble and courageous service, reach the hearts and lives of our many brothers and sisters who are looking for such love even without knowing it. “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 15: 57).
You might also profit from reading this from Radio Vaticana: en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/04/07/catholics,_methodists_walking_together_in_service_to_world/1220987

No Father I am not aware. We don’t get much of this kind of news in America.

I am VERY glad to hear it though!

 

[TCEL]

http://media02.radiovaticana.va/photo/2016/10/31/AP3722933_Articolo.jpg

Beautiful picture! I just love Pope Francis!

Thank you Father for sharing this article!

Coming from a Protestant family and married to a Protestant husband I see nothing but good coming from this. Maybe it might even help them convert one day! Now if we could just do this with the Methodists and Evangelicals my family would be set!

I hope. My husband is a convert. My in-laws are Baptist, and I’ve always been afraid to ask what they think of Pope Francis. I don’t think they would be as positive as I’m led to believe they should be. Why invite awkward silence by asking?

This is why I think it’s better to actually address differences. We already know we believe Jesus Christ is Savior, and that we believe in the Trinity. The most dialogue I’ve had with my in-laws was about our mutual encounters with Jehovah’s Witnesses.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

http://media02.radiovaticana.va/photo/2016/10/31/AP3722933_Articolo.jpg

Beautiful picture! I just love Pope Francis!

Thank you Father for sharing this article!

You’re very welcome.

It is a beautiful picture, also for me…I quite assure you.

It is also a remarkable picture.

I see a very historic cathedral, in Sweden…which is to say on the European continent…that, when it was built, was Catholic…it subsequently became Lutheran…and the three figures I see quite clearly, who presided at the joint service of prayer, are respectively from Argentina, Palestine, and Chile!

Life in the 21st century…it is very different from where we were 50 years ago, when all this started so uncertainly.

And considering that today the head of the Church of Sweden is a woman, who was born in Germany, 50 years from now already has the promise to be even more remarkable.

 

[TCEL]

And considering that today the head of the Church of Sweden is a woman, who was born in Germany, 50 years from now already has the promise to be even more remarkable.

May I ask for more comments on this?

 

[Don_Ruggero]

I don’t see how the errors of Martin Luther can be a gift to the Catholic Church. In fact, both he and his errors were condemned by Pope Leo X in the papal bull Exsurge Domine issued June 15, 1520.
“No one of sound mind is ignorant how destructive, pernicious, scandalous, and seductive to pious and simple minds these various errors are, how opposed they are to all charity and reverence for the holy Roman Church who is the mother of all the faithful and teacher of the faith; how destructive they are of the vigor of ecclesiastical discipline, namely obedience.”

From Conflict to Communion: vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/lutheran-fed-docs/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_2013_dal-conflitto-alla-comunione_en.html

We live in the age after Memory and Reconciliation, which reminded us of what Pope Adrian VI had to say about Leo X

Indeed, in the entire history of the Church there are no precedents for requests for forgiveness by the Magisterium for past wrongs. Councils and papal decrees applied sanctions, to be sure, to abuses of which clerics and laymen were found guilty, and many pastors sincerely strove to correct them. However, the occasions when ecclesiastical authorities – Pope, Bishops, or Councils – have openly acknowledged the faults or abuses which they themselves were guilty of, have been quite rare. One famous example is furnished by the reforming Pope Adrian VI who acknowledged publicly in a message to the Diet of Nuremberg of November 25, 1522, “the abominations, the abuses…and the lies” of which the “Roman court” of his time was guilty, “deep-rooted and extensive…sickness,” extending “from the top to the members.”(7) Adrian VI deplored the faults of his times, precisely those of his immediate predecessor Leo X and his curia, without, however, adding a request for pardon. It will be necessary to wait until Paul VI to find a Pope express a request for pardon addressed as much to God as to a group of contemporaries. In his address at the opening of the second session of the Second Vatican Council, the Pope asked “pardon of God…and of the separated brethren” of the East who may have felt offended “by us” (the Catholic Church), and declared himself ready for his part to pardon offences received. In the view of Paul VI, both the request for and offer of pardon concerned solely the sin of the division between Christians and presupposed reciprocity.

Fortunately, we are blessed to live in a far better era, governed by popes of great holiness and great courage, like the Blessed Paul VI and Saint John Paul II