VIII (1439), Decretum Exultate Deo: Mansi 31, 1055 A. But there is no opposition between the two, since both proceed from the marvelous ways of God. It is thus, under the action of the Holy Spirit, that Christ wills His people to increase, and He perfects His people's fellowship in unity: in their confessing the one faith, celebrating divine worship in common, and keeping the fraternal harmony of the family of God. 36 and 50). 8, 15; Unitatis Redintegratio, n. 3; Ut Unum Sint, nn. The goal of full unity [can] be reached only through the action of the Spirit of God and the conversion of all to the one Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. As distinct from what occurred in the situation of the schism of the East, with the Communities that resulted from the Reformation we are not only in the presence of doctrinal divergences but also of fundamental structure and of another type of Church. 1 Cor. Above all, prayer is the heart of the ecumenical movement (cf. This close identification of the Church of Jesus Christ with the Catholic Church is present, for example, in the Encyclicals Mystici Corporis (1943) and Humani Generis (1950).8, However, Mystici Corporis also recognizes that there are persons who, while they may not be baptized, belong to the Catholic Church because they so desire (cf. Similarly, the Council commends to the shepherds and faithful of the Catholic Church to develop closer relations with those who are no longer living in the East but are far from home, so that friendly collaboration with them may increase, in the spirit of love, to the exclusion of all feeling of rivalry or strife. We now turn our attention to the two chief types of division as they affect the seamless robe of Christ. The Council was thus able say that spiritual ecumenism is the heart of ecumenism. Summary Intro Division within the Christian community "openly contradicts the will of Christ, scandalizes the world, and damages the holy cause of preaching the Gospel to every creature." ( UR, 1) As such, moving towards unity comes from God and is a great good. Unitatis Redintegratio, nn. 11, 18-19; Gal. Hence a matter of primary concern and care among the Easterns, in their local churches, has been, and still is, to preserve the family ties of common faith and charity which ought to exist between sister Churches. Introduction by Cardinal Kasper, Communio. F ORTY years ago, when the Council opened its sessions, the majority of the Fathers favoured a sound Catholic ecumenism, designed as a generous and charitable invitation addressed to Christians separated from Rome to come back to the fold, to reintegrate Catholic unity.. An echo of this zeal can be found at number 2 of the conciliar Decree Unitatis redintegratio: 11, 29: PL 36, 299. 1 ff., 9, et al.). 25 Cf. The title of the document is taken from the opening words of the Latin text. The Present and Future Situation of the Ecumenical Movement, in: Information Service n. 109, 2002/I-II, 11-20. It was passed by a vote of 2,137 to 11 of the bishopsassembled at the Council, and was promulgated by Pope Paul VIon 21 November 1964. While it is true that many Christians understand the moral teaching of the Gospel differently from Catholics, and do not accept the same solutions to the more difficult problems of modern society, nevertheless they share our desire to stand by the words of Christ as the source of Christian virtue, and to obey the command of the Apostle: And whatever you do, in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. cit., 119; A. Grillmeier, LThK, Vat. Protestants do not want to be Church in the way the Catholic Church desires herself to be; they represent another kind of Church and for this reason, according to the criterion of Catholic identity, they are not a Church in the proper sense. [13] Christ Jesus Himself was forever to remain the chief cornerstone[14] and shepherd of our souls.[15]. Unitatis Redintegratio, nn. Today, in many parts of the world, under the inspiring grace of the Holy Spirit, many efforts are being made in prayer, word and action to attain that fullness of unity which Jesus . Alice Sebold. There from the glorious times of the holy Fathers, monastic spirituality flourished which, then later flowed over into the Western world, and there provided the source from which Latin monastic life took its rise and has drawn fresh vigor ever since. All rights reserved. [37] It is the Council's urgent desire that, in the various organizations and living activities of the Church, every effort should be made toward the gradual realization of this unity, especially by prayer, and by fraternal dialogue on points of doctrine and the more pressing pastoral problems of our time. 19Ibid., 386-392 (n. 176). The difference between the two is not only geographical or temporal; they are different kinds of schisms. 1, 1966, 175; L. Jaeger, op. Yet something new did begin with the Council: not a new Church but a renewed Church. A. Nichols, Yves Congar, London, 1986, 101-106). However, it no longer describes the way in which the Catholic Church understands herself in terms of "splendid isolation", but takes note of the active presence of the one Church of Christ also in other Churches and Ecclesial Communities (cf. I have been to Guantanamo. Unitatis Redintegratio, n. 3; Ut Unum Sint, n. 14), but she now has a dialogical awareness of this and takes the other Churches and Ecclesial Communities into account. From such dialogue will emerge still more clearly what the situation of the Catholic Church really is. The brethren divided from us also use many liturgical actions of the Christian religion. The very rich liturgical and spiritual heritage of the Eastern Churches should be known, venerated, preserved and cherished by all. 22 Cf. Yet they have retained a particularly close affinity with the Catholic Church as a result of the long centuries in which all Christendom lived together in ecclesiastical communion. Unitatis Redintegratio (UR), 1. In such dialogue, everyone gains a truer knowledge and more just appreciation of the teaching and religious life of both Communions. The Council moreover professes its awareness that human powers and capacities cannot achieve this holy objective - the reconciling of all Christians in the unity of the one and only Church of Christ. In the ultimate analysis, ecumenism is an adventure of the Spirit. It is, of course, essential that the doctrine should be clearly presented in its entirety. 13. 4 Irenaeus of Lyons, Adversus Haereses III, 24, 1 (Sources chrtiennes, n. 211, Paris, 1974, 472). [20] But in subsequent centuries much more serious dissensions made their appearance and quite large communities came to be separated from full communion with the Catholic Church - for which, often enough, men of both sides were to blame. L'Osservatore Romano is the newspaper of the Holy See. Consequently, "subsistit in" is erroneously interpreted when it is made the basis of pluralism or ecclesiological relativism, asserting that the one and only Church of Christ subsists in numerous Churches and that the Catholic Church is merely one Church alongside others. In recent times more than ever before, He has been rousing divided Christians to remorse over their divisions and to a longing for unity. Already in various spheres of the Church's life, this renewal is taking place. However, they were in agreement over the fundamental structure, both Eucharistic-sacramental and episcopal. It was promulgated on 21 November 1964 and represented a huge shift in the official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, although signs of change had been evident earlier. [15] Cf. Together with the mission, ecumenism is the way of the Church through the 21st century and the third millennium. Since there is only one Christ and only one Eucharist, each Church which celebrates the Eucharist is in a relationship of communion with all the other Churches. . ibid., nn. The Holy Spirit, as the "soul" of the Church (cf. Such theories of ecclesiological pluralism are in contradiction to the understanding of the proper identity which the Catholic Church as for also the Orthodox Churches has always had in the course of her Tradition, an understanding that the Second Vatican Council also chose to adopt. To preserve this faith these Churches have suffered and still suffer much. 20 21-23. These are: first, every effort to avoid expressions, judgments and actions which do not represent the condition of our separated brethren with truth and fairness and so make mutual relations with them more difficult; then, dialogue between competent experts from different Churches and Communities. Nor should we forget that anything wrought by the grace of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of our separated brethren can be a help to our own edification. Lumen Gentium, n. 8). This council wishes to set before all Catholics the ways in which they can respond and take action. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.[33]. Vertalingen van het uitdrukking BINNEN DE ROOMS-KATHOLIEKE KERK van nederlands naar engels en voorbeelden van het gebruik van "BINNEN DE ROOMS-KATHOLIEKE KERK" in een zin met hun vertalingen: Pro Familia plaatst zichzelf binnen de Rooms-Katholieke Kerk , die Paus Franciscus als.. This formulation of the ecumenical problem is the Council's most important theological contribution to the ecumenical question. Ecumenism, quo vadis? Moreover, in the East are found the riches of those spiritual traditions which are given expression especially in monastic life. Here is the text in its entirely in html and also as a free pdf download. The Decree on Ecumenism, aka Unitatitis Redintegratio, was not among the longest or most weighty documents of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, but it was certainly ranks among its greatest achievements. To the extent that we are united to Christ, we will all be united to one another as well, and will actuate in all its fullness the catholicity proper to the Church. That is something Catholics cannot do as a matter of divine law, which no Church directive could ever change. Everyone also knows with what great love the Christians of the East celebrate the sacred liturgy, especially the eucharistic celebration, source of the Church's life and pledge of future glory, in which the faithful, united with their bishop, have access to God the Father through the Son, the Word made flesh, Who suffered and has been glorified, and so, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they enter into communion with the most holy Trinity, being made sharers of the divine nature. She journeys on to fully achieve her nature in life. Later quotes indeed showed that the older . The eschatological and pneumatological dynamic needed conceptual elucidation. Catholics therefore are earnestly recommended to avail themselves of the spiritual riches of the Eastern Fathers which lift up the whole man to the contemplation of the divine. Let us merely recall that a symposium organized in May 2003 by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity with the Orthodox Churches led to openness on both sides .22. DC: GeorgetownUniversityPress, 1990)908-920.Henceforth UR. 16. As will shortly be pointed out, this axiom is of capital importance for understanding the Oriental Churches and the distinction that exists between them and the Protestant Ecclesial Communities. We are aware indeed that there exist considerable divergences from the doctrine of the Catholic Church concerning Christ Himself, the Word of God made flesh, the work of redemption, and consequently, concerning the mystery and ministry of the Church, and the role of Mary in the plan of salvation. All however, though in different ways, long for the one visible Church of God, a Church truly universal and set forth into the world that the world may be converted to the Gospel and so be saved, to the glory of God. S. IOANNES CHRYSOSTOMOS, In loannem Homelia XLVI, PG 59, 260-262. The title of the document is taken from the opening words of the Latin text. The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity addressed this theme in detail at its Plenary Assembly in 2001. The Council is the Magna Charta for the Church's journey in the 21st century (cf. These most certainly can truly engender a life of grace in ways that vary according to the condition of each Church or Community. VI (1439), Definitio Laetentur caeli: Mansi 31 1026 E. Copyright 2018-2022, Vatican City State, Catholic Committee for Cultural Collaboration, Collaboration for the diffusion of the Bible, Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism, The Ecumenical Dimension in the Formation of those Engaged in Pastoral Work, The Bishop and Christian Unity: An Ecumenical Vademecum, Suggestions for the organization of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews (CRRJ), ILC (International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee), Dialogue between Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews and the Great Rabbinate of Israel. However, in the spirit of the two great heralds of the Council, J.A. Ecumenism and mission are like twins.3. It seemed the sleep with the woman in his arms was the only necessity. 17. Tertio Millennio Adveniente, n. 18). [35] Hence, through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in each of these churches, the Church of God is built up and grows in stature[36] and through concelebration, their communion with one another is made manifest. [19] Cf. In particular, Johann Adam Mhler and John Henry Newman should be cited as precursors and pioneers. Most valuable for this purpose are meetings of the two sides - especially for discussion of theological problems - where each can treat with the other on an equal footing - provided that those who take part in them are truly competent and have the approval of the bishops. But we live in a very un-ideal world. Dogmatic laxism leads to the refusal to recognize the essence of the Church's eschatological dimension. Such prayers in common are certainly an effective means of obtaining the grace of unity, and they are a true expression of the ties which still bind Catholics to their separated brethren. This phrase suggests a quantitative, almost materialistic, dimension, as though it were possible to quantify or count all the elements, checking to see whether their numbers were complete. 12 Cf. 14. CONC. 14 In this regard, cf. On the contrary, it suggests a new and deeper understanding of the Tradition transmitted to us once and for all. The Church is wherever the Eucharist is celebrated. Spiritus Sanctus, qui credentes inhabitat totamque replet atque regit Ecclesiam, miram illam communionem fidelium efficit et tam intime omnes in Christo coniungit, ut Ecclesiae unitatis sit Principium. FLORENTINUM, Sess. The differences that exist in varying degrees between them and the Catholic Church - whether in doctrine and sometimes in discipline, or concerning the structure of the Church - do indeed create many obstacles, sometimes serious ones, to full ecclesiastical communion. The words of St. John hold good about sins against unity: "If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us". Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 47; Lumen Gentium, nn. Understood in this way, "subsistit in" assumes the essential requirement of the "est". The Declaration Dominus Iesus (cf. The children who are born into these Communities and who grow up believing in Christ cannot be accused of the sin involved in the separation, and the Catholic Church embraces upon them as brothers, with respect and affection. Edit Details Ad Gentes, nn. Whatever is truly Christian is never contrary to what genuinely belongs to the faith; indeed, it can always bring a deeper realization of the mystery of Christ and the Church. Vatican II's Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio) was issued on November 21, 1964, the same day as the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church and the Decree on the Catholic Eastern Churches . ; 506 ff. Online piracy needs to be dealt with itself, because people are just wholesale stealing people's work and not paying for it. 1. Il Concilio Vaticano II. However, the heritage handed down by the apostles was received with differences of form and manner, so that from the earliest times of the Church it was explained variously in different places, owing to diversities of genius and conditions of life. It would have been possible to formulate more clearly what it was the intention to express; but as regards the effective content, it is impossible to close one's eyes to the divergences that exist in the way in which the Church is conceived. Unitatis Redintegratio, nn. The Council, therefore, spoke of relations between local Churches as between Sister Churches (cf. Commitment to ecumenism responds to the prayer of the Lord Jesus that "they may all be one" (Jn 17:21). This concern itself reveals already to some extent the bond of brotherhood between all Christians and it helps toward that full and perfect unity which God in His kindness wills. Paus Gregorius XVI, Summo Iugiter Studio (#5), 27 Mei 1832: "Di samping itu terdapat akta-akta yang khidmat [solemnes actus] milik Gereja di mana dogma yang sama telah diserukan.Maka di dalam dekret tentang iman yang diterbitkan oleh Inosensius III dengan sinode Lateran IV, hal-hal berikut tertulis: 'Sesungguhnya, hanya terdapat satu Gereja universal dari para umat beriman, di luar mana . Even before the Second Vatican Council, the Pontiffs had encouraged prayers for unity in addition to the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity". I make corrections only after I have proved to the individual that I highly value him. Ut Unum Sint, nn. After being lifted up on the cross and glorified, the Lord Jesus poured forth His Spirit as He had promised, and through the Spirit He has called and gathered together the people of the New Covenant, who are the Church, into a unity of faith, hope and charity, as the Apostle teaches us: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one Baptism. It is because of this that the Council rests all its hope on the prayer of Christ for the Church, on our Father's love for us, and on the power of the Holy Spirit. For almost everyone regards the body in which he has heard the Gospel as his Church and indeed, God's Church. This is the licit kind of passive communion that Catholics and non-Catholics can share. Volume 2 (Unitatis redintegratio, Christus Dominus, Perfectae caritatis, Optatam totius) Volume 3 (Nostra aetate, Dei Verbum, Apostolicam actuositatem) Volume 4 (Gravissimum educationis, Dignitatis humanae, Ad gentes. They must recognize that this is of supreme importance for the faithful preservation of the fullness of Christian tradition, and for bringing about reconciliation between Eastern and Western Christians. 2, Paderborn, 1986, 95-135. But even in spite of them it remains true that all who have been justified by faith in Baptism are members of Christ's body,[21] and have a right to be called Christian, and so are correctly accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church.[22]. D.H. Lawrence, Every moment is precious, even the ones behind me that I often reflect upon with a reserved smile. Therefore some worship in common (communicatio in sacris), given suitable circumstances and the approval of Church authority, is not only possible but to be encouraged. It follows that the separated Churches[23] and Communities as such, though we believe them to be deficient in some respects, have been by no means deprived of significance and importance in the mystery of salvation. 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