Christian Unity

Ecumenism

Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25). "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30).

Mahatma Ghandi was one of the most beloved leaders in the history of the world, advocating social and economic justice through peaceful means. He was a courageous man and his work was a great example of how to love your neighbor. He studied Christianity extensively and was an admirer of Jesus, the man, but never believed in Jesus as Lord...in large part because of how his "Christian" friends modeled their faith!

Paul warned us in 1 Corinthians 1:10, "I beg you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree in what you say. Let there be no factions; rather, be united in mind and judgment." And in his first letter to Timothy, "Have nothing to do with senseless, ignorant disputations. As you well know, they only breed quarrels and the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but must be kindly toward all." (2:23-24)

"Go and make disciples of all the nations baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)

"How indeed can we proclaim the Gospel of reconciliation without at the same time being committed to working for reconciliation between Christians? However true it is that the Church, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit and with the promise of indefectibility, has preached and still preaches the Gospel to all nations, it is also true that she must face the difficulties which derive from the lack of unity. When non-believers meet missionaries who do not agree among themselves, even though they all appeal to Christ, will they be in a position to receive the true message? Will they not think that the Gospel is a cause of division, despite the fact that it is presented as the fundamental law of love? " (6)

The Reformation

The Reformation occurred about 500 years ago. God obviously had a purpose, He permitted it to happen. Maybe it was because Catholics were making a mess of the Church and as Jesus told Peter, He was not going to let that "prevail." No one will disagree that the Church needed reforming. The debate however, continuing today, is how that reform was and has been conducted since that time.

The "enemy" consistently and relentlessly provokes division...among family, friends and Churches. Matthew and Paul, in their quotes above, warned us about satan's "divide and conquer" strategy. That warning permeates throughout all of Scripture. "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8).

There are major theological differences of opinion between Catholics and Protestants...including the interpretation of God's Word. Even the 10 Commandments are not consistent with each other! But these differences should not prevent Christians from seeking common ground (essential Christian beliefs). It's not an all or nothing deal!

"The Catholic Church gladly holds in high esteem the things which other Christian Churches and ecclesial communities have done or are doing cooperatively by way of achieving the same goal. The union of the human family is greatly fortified and fulfilled by the unity, founded on Christ, of the family of God's sons." (4)

"The promotion of unity belongs to the innermost nature of the Church, for she is, "thanks to her relationship with Christ, a sacramental sign and an instrument of intimate union with God, and of the unity of the whole human race." Thus she shows the world that an authentic union, social and external, results from a union of minds and hearts, namely from that faith and charity by which her own unity is unbreakably rooted in the Holy Spirit. For the force which the Church can inject into the modern society of man consists in that faith and charity put into vital practice, not in any external dominion exercised by merely human means." (4)

The Protestant Reformation began a long and painful split in the Church. Catholics responded with a renewed diligent effort of reform and renewal within the Church. (8) It was desperately needed. Corruption at the highest leadership levels was proliferating mightily under the guidance of a formidable enemy, satan. Renewal was a positive result of Luther's challenges. (8)

Catholics should get to know the faith of their Protestant brethren better. In fact, they should get to know their Catholic faith better. "Venerate the Lord in your hearts. Should anyone ask you for the reason for your faith, be ever ready to reply, but speak gently and reverently." (1 Peter 3:15-16). Let me emphasize gently and reverently.

Protestants and Catholics, open your hearts to each other. Learn more about the early Church, its customs and traditions. Grow in communal spirit together, love each other the way God has always loved His children.

We know from reading the end of the Book that Christianity will ultimately prevail and the "enemy" knows it! The war has already been decided and we win! We give thanks to God for being so clear on that. However, battles in life will rage on until the end of time and battles can be lost if Christians neglect to put on their spiritual armor...daily.

"Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires and hold your ground." (Ephesians 6:11-13).

Renew Your Minds

"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God's will, what is good pleasing and perfect." (Romans: 12:2)

"But their primary duty is to make a careful and honest appraisal of whatever needs to be done or renewed in the Catholic household itself, in order that its life may bear witness more clearly and faithfully to the teachings and institutions which have come to it from Christ through the Apostles." (1)

Unfortunately, an esoteric approach to conducting the Mass (e.g., Latin, Priest with his back to the congregation) remained the practice until 1964. This was a major hindrance to effectively spreading the Gospel message and fostering Christian unity. Also the Catholic Church was very much opposed to the laity reading and studying the Bible, again, until 1964.

Many Baptised Catholics tend to take their faith for granted and are very much lacking in scriptural knowledge, as well as the significance of the Church's history and its teaching. Too many Catholics are either cultural or habitual Catholics. Cultural meaning they attend Mass at Easter and Christmas and only occasionally at other times. Habitual meaning they attend every required Mass but their hearts and souls aren't in it. God is looking for Committed Catholics, who love to come to Mass to honor Him and put Him first in every aspect of their lives.

"You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, whole soul, whole mind and whole strength." (Matthew 22:37)

"How I wish you were one or the other - hot or cold! But because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spew you out of My mouth!" (Rev 3:20)

Vatican II

Not much, directly affecting the laity, if anything, materially changed in the Catholic Church immediately after the Reformation, until 1964, over 400 years later, when the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council (Vatican II) convened. This Council had a profoundly positive impact on the Church. The reform of the Sacred Liturgy made the Mass more meaningful and understandable to most Catholics. (8) The Priest turned around and faced the Congregation during the entire Mass and Latin was replaced with the local (vernacular) language. Participation in the Liturgy, especially through music and shared responses increased visibly. (8) Reading the Bible also became more important in the daily life and worship of Catholics, and many new aids to studying Scripture became available. (8)

The Documents of Vatican II included new Constitutions, Declarations and Decrees of the Church.(15) They clearly defined the Church's position on everything from, the role of the Church in history...through today, to responsibilities of its clergy and laity, to faith and morals, to Scripture study. Most Catholics are not even aware the Church has a Constitution(s), or any of these important, defining documents.

One of the most significant documents of Vatican II was the Decree on Ecumenism: (1)

Excerpts:

"The Sacred Council exhorts all the Catholic faithful to recognize the signs of the times and to take an active and intelligent part in the work of ecumenism."

"In these days when cooperation in social matters is so widespread, all men without exception are called to work together, with much greater reason all those who believe in God, but most of all, all Christians in that they bear the name of Christ. Cooperation among Christians vividly expresses the relationship which in fact already unites them, and it sets in clearer relief the features of Christ the Servant. All believers in Christ can, through this cooperation, be led to acquire a better knowledge and appreciation of one another, and so pave the way to Christian unity."

"We must get to know the outlook of our non-Catholic brethren. To achieve this purpose, study is of necessity required, and this must be pursued with a sense of realism and good will. Catholics, who already have a proper grounding, need to acquire a more adequate understanding of the respective doctrines of our non-Catholic brethren, their history, their spiritual and liturgical life, their religious psychology and general background."

Pope John Paul II did a wonderful job of following up on Vatican II's Decree and expanding the call of ecumenism in the Church with his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism. (6)

Excerpts:

"When brothers and sisters who are not in perfect communion with one another come together to pray, Vatican II defines their prayer as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement. This prayer is "a very effective means of petitioning for the grace of unity."

"If Christians, despite their divisions, can grow ever more united in common prayer around Christ, they will grow in the awareness of how little divides them in comparison to what unites them. If they meet more often and more regularly before Christ in prayer, they will be able to gain the courage to face all the painful human reality of their divisions, and they will find themselves together once more in that community of the Church which Christ constantly builds up in the Holy Spirit, in spite of all weaknesses and human limitations."

"It is necessary to pass from antagonism and conflict to a situation where each party recognizes the other as a partner. When undertaking dialogue, each side must presuppose in the other a desire for reconciliation, for unity in truth. For this to happen, any display of mutual opposition must disappear. Only thus will dialogue help to overcome division and lead us closer to unity."

"Ecumenical dialogue is of essential importance. Through such dialogue everyone gains a truer knowledge and more just appreciation of the teaching and religious life of both Communions. In addition, these Communions cooperate more closely in whatever projects a Christian conscience demands for the common good."

"Moreover, ecumenical cooperation is a true school of ecumenism, a dynamic road to unity. Unity of action leads to the full unity of faith: Through such cooperation, all believers in Christ are able to learn easily how they can understand each other better and esteem each other more, and how the road to the unity of Christians may be made smooth".

Where Are We Now?

The search for Christian Unity was one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council. Frankly, results of the Catholic Church's efforts at ecumenism have not been good. Great plan, great intentions...poor execution.

In 1993 Pope John Paul II approved, confirmed it by his authority, and authorized the publication of The Ecumenical Directory, originally called for during Vatican II. (5)

The Directory cited Vatican II as committing the ecumenical task in a special way to the Bishops. (7) The Bishops were advised, "to appoint a competent person as diocesan officer for ecumenical questions. (5) This officer is responsible for representing the Catholic community in its relations with the other Churches and ecclesial Communities and their leaders and will facilitate contacts between the latter and the local Bishop, clergy and laity on various levels." (5)

"In addition to the appointment of a diocesan officer for ecumenical questions, the diocesan Bishop should set up a council, commission or secretariat charged with putting into practice any directives or orientations he may give and, in general, with promoting ecumenical activity in the diocese." (5)

"The commission or secretariat should reflect the totality of the diocese and generally include among its members clergy, religious men and women and lay people of various competencies, and especially those with particular ecumenical expertise. It is desirable that representatives of the presbyterial council, the pastoral council, diocesan and regional seminaries be included among the members of the commission or secretariat." (5)

Very little visible progress to date has been realized in the way of ecumenism. Why? In some cases it just does not seem to be a high priority with Catholic or Protestant Church leaders. Also, "the lack of personnel, of specific training, of resources, financial and otherwise, make ecumenical work difficult." (7) It's time to quit making excuses, obey God...and defeat the enemy. Ecumenism may be the most important issue facing the Church since the Reformation.

We do want to mention a couple of exceptions. At the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in New Mexico, Msgr. Richard J. Olona, Director of the Office of Ecumenism, has done an outstanding job of getting the message out to various Protestant Churches in their area, meeting together regularly for prayer and information gathering purposes. They also do a great job of promoting their ecumenical efforts and communicating all activities on their website with tremendous support from Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan.

Father Alexei Smith, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' Ecumenical Officer is very active in National Ecumenical organizations such as Christian Churches Together (CCT) (11) and the annual National Workshop for Christian Unity. (12) Father Smith is an energetic and passionate proponent for developing Christian unity. He fully appreciates the mandate promulgated by Vatican II as he says, " Our Late Pope spoke of ecumenism as 'an organic part of the life and work of the Church' and our current Pope has made it 'his impelling duty.' Ecumenism is not then an option - it is a holy obligation."

Msgr. Olona sums it up nicely: "We can learn to practice true ecumenism. Genuine ecumenism is not about convincing non-Catholics to become Catholics – or to pretend that we are not Catholic. Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect." (9)

With that said, many (not all) of the ecumenical officers appointed by the various Bishops in America appear to be in the "secret service." Sorry to be so blunt, but...few people, outside of their immediate circle of influence know who these people are and what exactly they do in promoting ecumenism. It's unfortunate and in my opinion a clear disregard for (or at least not taking seriously enough) the mandate of Vatican II's Decree on Ecumenism and The Ecumenical Directory.

Scripture Lights the Path to Christian Unity

Read and study your Bible. Catholics, in case you have not heard, the Church says it's not only OK to read and study your Bible, it's required reading!

"The sacred synod also earnestly and especially urges all the Christian faithful, especially Religious, to learn by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures the "excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:8). "For ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ." (2)

"Therefore, they should gladly put themselves in touch with the sacred text itself, whether it be through the liturgy, rich in the divine word, or through devotional reading, or through instructions suitable for the purpose and other aids which, in our time, with approval and active support of the shepherds of the Church, are commendably spread everywhere. And let them remember that prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that God and man may talk together; for "we speak to Him when we pray; we hear Him when we read the divine saying." (2)

"Sacred scripture is of the greatest importance in the celebration of the liturgy. For it is from scripture that lessons are read and explained in the homily, and psalms are sung; the prayers, collects, and liturgical songs are scriptural in their inspiration and their force, and it is from the scriptures that actions and signs derive their meaning. Thus to achieve the restoration, progress, and adaptation of the sacred liturgy, it is essential to promote that warm and living love for scripture to which the venerable tradition of both eastern and western rites gives testimony." (3)

"The treasures of the Bible are to be opened up more lavishly, so that richer fare may be provided for the faithful at the table of God's word. In this way a more representative portion of the holy scriptures will be read to the people in the course of a prescribed number of years." (3)

"Our brothers and sisters of other Churches and ecclesial Communities have a deep love and reverence for the Holy Scriptures. This occasions their constant and deep study of the sacred books. The Word of God, then, being one and the same for all Christians, will progressively strengthen the path towards unity insofar as it is approached with religious attention and loving study." (5)

The Bible is God's personal letter to us and His instruction manual for our preparation for eternal life.

And, by the way, Catholics (with exceptions of course) have a lot to learn about giving (tithing). For the most part, Protestants adhere much more closely to Biblical based financial stewardship than Catholics.

"This is My commandment: love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12)

"May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity (love) be the root and foundation of your life. Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself." (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Common Ground (Essential Christian Beliefs)

The Council of Nicaea in 325 (Nicene Creed was slightly modified in 381 to today's version) decided on what the essentials of a Christian's faith should be and we could use this as the foundation and framework for our ecumenical efforts.

Nicene Creed: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us men and our salvation He came down from Heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures: He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son, He is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

As noted in the Evangelicals and Catholics Together "ECT" statement in 1997, "Evangelicals must speak the Gospel to Catholics and Catholics to Evangelicals, always speaking the truth in love, so that, 'working hard to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . . . the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God.'" (Ephesians 4:3, 12-13) (16)

"All who truly believe in Jesus Christ are brothers and sisters in the Lord and must not allow their differences, however important, to undermine this great truth, or to deflect them from bearing witness together to God's gift of salvation in Christ." (16)

Pope John Paul II wrote in his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism: "In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becomes a form of common Christian witness and a means of evangelization which benefits all involved." (6)

Pope John XXIII, who was responsible for convening the all important Vatican II in 1962 said, "What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (6)

Conclusion

If Christians expect to have a successful, meaningful impact on the decaying moral issues facing America today...any time soon...(e.g., pro-life, biblical marriage and reversing the secular Godless agenda in our society), we will need to be truly united in our efforts.

"Again I tell you, if two of you join your voices on earth to pray for anything whatever, it shall be granted you by My Father in Heaven. Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in their midst." (Matthew 18:19-20)

"I pray for those who believe in Me through their word, that all may be one as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. I pray that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:21)

Blessings,

Bobby


Research References:

New American Bible Catholic Edition

(1) 1964 Decree on Ecumenism
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19641121_unitatis-redintegratio_en.html

(2) 1965 Constitution on Sacred Scripture
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html

(3) 1963 Constitution on Sacred Liturgy
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html

(4) 1965 Constitution on the Church in the Modern World
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_cons_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html

(5) 1993 The Ecumenical Directory
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_25031993_principles-and-norms-on-ecumenism_en.html

(6) 1995 John Paul II Encyclical Letter on Ecumenism
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25051995_ut-unum-sint_en.html

(7) 2004 Bishop Brian Farrell Presentation - Secretary PCFPCU
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_20041121_farrell-ecumenismo_en.html

(8) The Compact History of The Catholic Church - Alan Schreck

(9) Archdiocese of Santa Fe
http://www.archdiocesesantafe.org/Offices/Ecumenical/Ecumenical.html

(10) Archdiocese of Los Angeles
http://www.la-archdiocese.org/ecumenical/index.php

(11) Christian Churches Together (CCT)
http://www.christianchurchestogether.org/

(12) National Workshop on Christian Unity
http://www.nwcu.org/WhoWeAre/index.htm

(13) Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers http://www.cadeio.org/

(14) USCCB Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairshttp://www.usccb.org/seia/history.shtml

(15) Vatican II Documents
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/

(16) Evangelicals and Catholics Together ECT
http://www.seekgod.ca/ect2.htm