The goal of ecumenism is full unity and the Catholic Church is firmly committed to pursuing that goal, Pope Benedict XVI said.
The search for Christian unity is not a political process requiring "the
ability to negotiate or a greater ability to find compromises," but it
is a religious effort to fulfill God's will, the pope said Nov. 18
during a meeting with members of the Pontifical Council for Promoting
Christian Unity.
In the 50 years since Pope John XXIII established the council, he said,
Catholics have grown in their knowledge, understanding and esteem for
other Christian churches and communities. Ecumenical relations have led
to important theological developments, and Christians have grown in love
for one another, he said.
"Various forms of collaboration have developed," not just in the areas
of "the defense of life, safeguarding creation and combating injustice,"
but also in providing ecumenical translations of the Bible, the pope
said.
Pope Benedict said he knows many people today believe ecumenism has lost its steam.
The churches' response, he said, must be "to reawaken ecumenical interest and give a new incisiveness to the dialogues."
At the same time, the churches cannot ignore the fact that the dialogues
face new challenges from "new anthropological and ethical
interpretations," including those related to homosexuality and abortion,
from the splintering of some mainline Christian communities and in
educating new generations about the need for Christian unity, the pope
said.
"Even in the presence of new problematic situations or difficult points
for the dialogue, the goal of the ecumenical journey remains unchanged,
as does the firm commitment to pursuing it," he said.
Pope Benedict said Christians must recognize that God will be the
ultimate author of full Christian unity, but the commitment of
Christians to exploring and resolving their differences also is needed.
While learning to "leave to God that which is uniquely his," the pope
said, Christians must "explore with seriousness, constancy and
dedication that which is our task," recognizing that it will involve
both "acting and suffering, activity and patience, hard work and joy."
SIC: CNS/INT'L