When the subject of “ecumenism” comes up there are many aspects in interreligious dialogue that need to be kept clear. In our desire for openness and unity we can easily gloss over the precise differences as well as similarities that have to be made when we dialogue about relationships with other religions.
The relationship we may have with our Protestant Christian friends is different from that with our non-Christian friends. In every day interaction in business or chance meetings, the subject of religion rarely comes up; and business is conducted between parties that are not aware of the other person’s religious affiliation. But when families and children begin to talk about a religious or spiritual relationship, the conversation changes. This is especially true in the case of a marriage between a Catholic and non-Catholic. The experience I have had as a priest has led me to the conclusion that religion can often be a cause of division instead of unity. Deep sensitivity is necessary when arranging a marriage between a Catholic and a non- Catholic.
The relationship we may have with our Protestant Christian friends is different from that with our non-Christian friends. In every day interaction in business or chance meetings, the subject of religion rarely comes up; and business is conducted between parties that are not aware of the other person’s religious affiliation. But when families and children begin to talk about a religious or spiritual relationship, the conversation changes. This is especially true in the case of a marriage between a Catholic and non-Catholic. The experience I have had as a priest has led me to the conclusion that religion can often be a cause of division instead of unity. Deep sensitivity is necessary when arranging a marriage between a Catholic and a non- Catholic.
“Ecumenism,” even though the word is often used differently, more precisely refers to the relationship among Christian Churches, both Catholic and Protestant. There are two documents on Church relationships flowing from Vatican II. One addresses our relationship with non-Christian religions and the other, our relationship with other Christians. Our relationship with those who with us recognize the divinity of Jesus and His redemptive work is radically different from that of our relationship with a Jew or Moslem.
There is very much we have in common with other Christians. To believe in the Lordship of Jesus and the divine inspiration of the Scriptures is a big step forward in a dialogue that can follow when these first steps are agreed upon. The big difference between Catholic and Protestant Christianity is the authoritative role the Church has in its relationship with the Bible and the fullness of revelation. We Catholics are not “Bible- alone” believing Christians. The major teaching of the Catholic Church in this area is that we possess the fullness of revealed truth. I know it sounds arrogant, but the reality is that many other churches are missing dimensions that we insist are part of the revelation given to us by Jesus. This is not a judgment or condemnation of individual Christians (who may be closer to Jesus than we Catholics). This is an objective evaluation of structure. This distinction can be the first step in any dialogue. It can be a misunderstood obstacle to unity. Before discussions on differences, it is important to be in spiritual and prayerful communion with all our Protestant brothers and sisters with whom we have a real, if incomplete, relationship. mmunion with all our Protestant brothers and sisters with whom we have a real, if incomplete, relationship.
There is very much we have in common with other Christians. To believe in the Lordship of Jesus and the divine inspiration of the Scriptures is a big step forward in a dialogue that can follow when these first steps are agreed upon. The big difference between Catholic and Protestant Christianity is the authoritative role the Church has in its relationship with the Bible and the fullness of revelation. We Catholics are not “Bible- alone” believing Christians. The major teaching of the Catholic Church in this area is that we possess the fullness of revealed truth. I know it sounds arrogant, but the reality is that many other churches are missing dimensions that we insist are part of the revelation given to us by Jesus. This is not a judgment or condemnation of individual Christians (who may be closer to Jesus than we Catholics). This is an objective evaluation of structure. This distinction can be the first step in any dialogue. It can be a misunderstood obstacle to unity. Before discussions on differences, it is important to be in spiritual and prayerful communion with all our Protestant brothers and sisters with whom we have a real, if incomplete, relationship. mmunion with all our Protestant brothers and sisters with whom we have a real, if incomplete, relationship.