The Ecumenical Directory - Summary and Discussion

THE ORGANIZATION IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE SERVICE OF CHRISTIAN UNITY

Saju Akkara, M.afr

A Break in Communication
Between the Top and the Bottom?

 INTRODUCTION

          For many, unity is an expensive and painful reality of their life.  For unity we need sacrifices and for unity we need a total conversion on our perception of the other.  We are living in a divided world with walls and boundaries everywhere between nations and between casts and tribes and religions. Some say this outward divisions are some how manifesting our internal divisions with in ourselves. St. Paul is very realistic when he says, “I do not understand what I do; for I do not do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate.” (Rom. 7:15) So we all have to live with these divisions of our being. Ultimately I believe that all these divisions in this world in the name of religion, culture, etc in one way or another originate from a divided heart. I think, we have to ask the lord the courage to strengthen our heart in the line of unity that is his desire of us.

              First of all our catholic church is really catholic which means really universal.  Catholic Church is present in the deepest rural villages in India, with the lake people near Bangawelu Lake in Zambia, with the pigmy people in Congo, with the Arabs and with the pragmatic and utilitarian influenced western cultures. This nature of visibility of the church gives us the medium to encounter all kinds of people from all parts of the world. This gives us an extra opportunity to encounter people form every race, cast and color with a unified vision of our lord. Unlike many nationalistic, tribalistic and ethnic oriented churches we are in a favorable position to do the will of god regarding the unity of Christians.

             Vatican Council II specifically entrusted the job of ecumenism to the discretion of the particular bishop of the region through with their individual capacity, synods and Episcopal conferences etc.   Another very important aspect in the journey to Christian unity is the prayer. When we stand before the almighty god then we are all one asking guidance form the one source of everything. It should be the desire and duty of all the Catholic and Christians to pray for the Christian unity and with the grace of Holy Spirit one day we will realize the need for Christian unity.

                With in the Catholic Church we have several mechanisms to deal with the problem of Christian disunity in the different level of its operations from the top to bottom. These different institutions try to guide the faithful in their holy desire for unity of all. In all these different organizational set-ups, the duty of a local bishop is a distinct one. Ultimately He is the one to enlighten and encourage the faithful to deal with the real life situations in dealing with ecumenism. Now we deal with certain specific offices and institutions in the church that deals with the notion of promoting Christian Unity.

 1) DIOCESAN ECUMENICAL OFFICER

            Bishop should appoint a competent person as diocesan officer for ecumenical actions. He or she is the animator for diocesan ecumenical commission and coordinator for ecumenical activities in general. He should work closely with the bishop in every activity regarding the ecumenism and represent the catholic communion with its relationship with other churches. In other words, we can say that he is the one to control all the ecumenical activities in the diocese in the name of the Local Ordinary. In my opinion, diocesan ecumenical officer has a big role to play in the ecumenical life of the diocese because all the major activities of this sort will be happening in the grass root level under the parameters of the diocese. He is the one to create a kind of ecumenical mood in the life of the diocese with in the different organs of life especially with the clergy, laity and different institutions.

  2) DIOCESAN ECUMENICAL SECRETARIAT

            In addition to a diocesan ecumenical officer, the diocesan bishop should set up a council or secretariat to put into practice the diocesan policies to promote Christian unity. It is a community with the full participation with clergy, religious and laity of the diocese. They try to organize the ecumenical activities of the diocese with the help of the various organs existing in the diocese.

They help in the following activities in the diocese

----They have the duty to implement Conciliar and post councilor documents, documents from synods and Episcopal conferences on ecumenism.

----Foster spiritual ecumenism for the unity of the Christians

----Organize seminar and workshops for the formations of clergy and laity in the matters of ecumenism

----Promote friendliness and charity between Catholics and non-Catholics.

----Maintain relations with the territorial ecumenical commissions

----Propose experts to undertake dialogue on the diocesan level with other churches and ecclesial communities. And others

Also they should ensure the smooth working of ecumenical initiatives in the parish level.

 3) THE ECUMENICAL COMMISSION OF SYNODS OF EASTERN CHURCHES AND EPISCOPAL CONFERENCES

            Each synod of Eastern Catholic Churches and Episcopal Conferences should establish an Episcopal commission for ecumenism with the help of experts from laity, clergy and religious. And they should concentrate on the following activities

 ---Putting in to practice the norms and instructions from the Holy Sea.

---Giving advice and assistance to the bishops

---Promoting co-operation among Christians

---Promoting consultation and dialogue with the church leaders and council of churches in the national and territorial level.

---Maintain relationship with Episcopal conferences and pontifical council for promoting Christian unity.

--- Inform the bishops of the Episcopal Conference and Synods about the dialogue happening in the particular territory.

 With in the Catholic Church we find also certain bodies, which does not come under above categories but still participating the ecumenical dimension of the church with a certain independence of doing the work. They are mainly The Institutes of Consecrated Life, Societies of Apostolic Life and various organizations of Catholic Church. In a way they add a much greater flavor in the ecumenical dimensions of the Catholic Church.

 4) INSTITUTES OF CONSECRATED LIFE AND SOCIETIES OF APOSTOLIC LIFE

       In a way the dimension of Christian unity is the concern for the whole church and certain Religious Orders and Congregations and Societies of Apostolic Life must add some energy to these efforts of Christian unity. Some congregations really concentrate these activities in the light of their charisms. And some of these institutions antedate the divisions among the Christians. So this gives these institutions an added value in working for the Christian unity. They can foster this unity with a life style compatible with the sprit of ecumenism, through a holy life, prayer life and though their vocations as monks, hermits etc. they can also give another dimension for call for Christian holiness for all. With their pastoral works and meeting with other in different capacities they can become the flag bearers of Christian unity.

 5) ORGANIZATIONS OF FAITHFUL

         This is another dimension of Christian unity. In our world of awakened laity, there is a great importance of making and promoting various groups dealing with Christian unity. In a way, these people can really work with the real life situations with its challenges and joys of ordinary life situations. The movement of these and other similar movement can contribute a lot in the practical situations.

 6) THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN UNITY

           This is the apex body in the Catholic Church dealing with the promotion of full communion among all Christians. It is a department in the Roman Curia. And it has the duty to promote the ecumenical spirit in the Catholic Church and promote the relationship with other churches and ecclesial communities. They make proper doctrinal guideline for our efforts for Christian unity in one side and on the other side deals with the dialogue in the international level.

 MAIN POINTS FROM THE DISCUSSION

        First of all ecumenism is an attitude which we develop according to our formation and situation. The problems arise when the individuals in a certain community lack formation in the area of Christian unity. Basically we had two arguments in dealing with this subject of Christian unity. According to the first group we have a strong foundation in dealing with ecumenism in the top level. In the top level the make clear documents and they are aware of the necessity of Christian unity. Also the people in the top level are more up to date to the necessary involvement of ecumenism in different areas of life. But according to the second group we have a strong foundation in the lowest level of living. People in their ordinary life really live the life of ecumenism with out even knowing. Some how this is the life style of the grass root level living. They share the same Matatu, same office and the same day-to-day challenges of life. So they are one in their lower level encounter with one another.

 We feel that the challenge comes somewhere in between, not in the top level and not in the grass root level. Somehow, we saw a kind of breakage in the line in transmitting necessary values from the top to bottom. May be in the diocesan level, especially in particular dioceses, we see a kind of negligence in dealing with ecumenical problem. So to establish a real chain in transmitting information and know-how from top to bottom and also transmitting the feelings of the real life situations form bottom to top is the answer to this problem to really instill the seed of ecumenism in the mind of everybody. It will help us to know do and don’ts in our day to day interaction with the other.  And also, we should stand in certain values in our dialogue with others like respect, sensitivity of the values of other in our practical application of the ecumenical values. 

The Ecumenical Directory

Organization of the Catholic Church

Wilfried Stephane Zoungrana,M.Af

Are the Bishops Interested?

Today, the 30^th January 2012, Wilfried Stephane Zoungrana,M.Afr and Saju Akkara Jose, M.Afr presented the summary of the Organization of the Catholic Church.

 Organization of the Catholic Church…

Saju started by giving us the main ideas in the document. For him, Vatican council specifically entrusted the job of ecumenism to the discretion of the particular bishop of the region through their individual capacity, through synods and Episcopal conferences etc.  There are specific offices and institutions in the Catholic Church that deals with the notion of promotion of Christian unity.

Further on, he lists the main offices within the catholic church be at the higher level or just within the local ordinary. We have the offices as follows:

Diocesan Ecumenical officer: Bishop should appoint a competent person as diocesan officer for ecumenical actions. He or she is the animator for diocesan ecumenical commission and coordinator for ecumenical activities in general. He should work closely with the bishop in every activity regarding the ecumenism and represent the catholic communion with its relationship with other churches.

Diocesan Ecumenical Secretariat: In addition to a diocesan ecumenical officer, the diocesan Bishop should set up a council or secretariat to put into practice the diocesan policies to promote Christian unity. It is a community with the full participation with clergy, religious and laity of the diocese. They try to organize the ecumenical activities of the diocese with the help of the various organs existing in the diocese; they also should help in the following activities in the diocese.

----They have the duty to implement Conciliar and post councilor documents, documents from synods and Episcopal conferences.

----Foster spiritual ecumenism for the unity of the Christians

----Organize seminar and workshops for the formations of clergy and laity in the matters of ecumenism

----Promote friendliness and charity between Catholics and non-Catholics.

Also they should ensure the smooth working of ecumenical initiatives in the parish level.

The Ecumenical commission of synods of eastern churches and Episcopal conferences

Each synod of eastern catholic churches and Episcopal conferences should establish an Episcopal commission for ecumenism with the help of experts from laity, clergy and religious. And they should concentrate on the following activities:

---Putting in to practice the norms and instructions from the Holy Sea;

---Giving advice and assistance to the bishops;

---Promoting co-operation among Christians;

---Promoting consultation and dialogue with the church leaders and council of churches;

---Maintain relationship with Episcopal conferences and pontifical council for promoting Christian unity. 

Ecumenical Structures within other Ecclesial Contexts: the primary role of these structures is to entrust that a smooth coordination of the activities conducted within the framework of ecumenism.

Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life: these institutes must promote ecumenism wherever their work calls to.

Organizations of Faithful: the faithful are not left out in the organization of the offices within the catholic church in the task of promoting Christian unity. The church recognizes the role of the faithful in having an impact in the lives of the people. They can do promotion of Christian unity within their places of work, encourage ecumenical activities within their Small Christian Communities and whenever they can meet people of other churches.

The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity: the role of this office is implement the document of Vatican II; coordinate the ecumenical activities at the universal level; organize sessions with the other churches and wherever possible delegate other members to conduct sessions or contacts experts in the fields

Reflection: our group was divided in the way offices in charge of coordinating ecumenical activities at the local are handle. While recognizing the call made on the bishops to implement the directory and guides issues by the Pontifical Council for Christian unity, the lack of willness is pending on the part of the bishops.

The problem is that on the ground, some bishops are not even interested in ecumenical or at times are not even aware of ecumenical activities within his territory. Bishops are good at writing projects and getting funds but too little effort is put in it.

Nevertheless we cannot deny the zeal and commitment of some few bishops or religious congregations as they take the call of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christianity very seriously. They organize ecumenical meetings with other churches and they have resourceful personal fully committed for the work.

What we need is to help one another discover the richness of ecumenical work and promote it for the benefit of all humankind so that each one may grow better in the life of faith in the spirit and the in the sacrament of unity and teaching of the catholic church.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

For just as the body is one and has many members...1Corinthians 12:12

A Talk given by Kassa Sagou at MAfr Formation Community

We have been praying for the past few days for Christian Unity and I have been asking myself: what kind of unity are we praying for? And how is such a unity possible with these churches or Christian community that spent all their preaching time in attacking the Catholic Church?

            What type of unity are we praying for?

Perspectives are different. For some the unity we are praying for is just a kind of working cooperation and more understanding between the churches. It is just a tool for cohabitation; a chance to peacefully live together without frictions.  

Others however think that the Unity among Christian is a gift from God, as human being, we cannot achieve it by our own effort. But still we have to do our own share of the work; we have to do what is humanly possible.

There is a second group that talks of spiritual union. That is a “change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians. [This] should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement. (UR 8).

Whatever may be the case, the purpose of the ecumenical movement - without any prejudice to working cooperation, to unity being a gift from God – is to achieve visible unity of Christian first at the spiritual level ( by processing the life in the Spirit that leads to communion in holiness and beatific vision, communion in grace and virtue, communion in works of charity, communion as children of God) and if possible at the juridical level (same catholic faith, same sacrament, same ecclesiastical government). The Purpose therefore of our prayer in this house is to lead us to the visible unity of all Christians.

Different ecclesiology and their consequences on ecumenism

For the orthodox family, the local church is of vital importance with a bishop of apostolic succession.

The protestant couples with their brothers the Pentecostals can be subdivided in many groups of different ecclesiological perspectives, because of time, I would like to fit them together into one box. For them, separation between the visible church and the invisible church is very crucial. The most important between the two is the invisible church in which one gains admittance through baptism and faith in Christ. The visible church is of this world and its structures are of less importance, just a means to the invisible church. So structures are of no importance to them.

For us Catholics, without separating - make a distinction between the local church and the universal church as well as between the visible church and the heavenly Jerusalem (invisible church) - we uphold and maintain the necessity to be one under the leadership of the bishop of Rome with all the privileges and responsibilities entrusted to him (see UR 2). We may not have great difficulties with perspective of others but they certainly have difficulties as you all know to accepting the only and unique authority of the Pope and the college of bishops in communion with him.

What does the church say vis-à-vis all these difficulties?

Despite the difficulties, the Church maintains that “Ecumenism is the way of the Church” (Ut Unum Sint 7). It seems therefore that it is the responsibility of the church to work for and look for the unity of all the flock that right from the beginning was entrusted to the college of apostles with Peter as the one on whom he will build his church, and the one who will confirm in faith and shepherd in perfect unity all his sheep (UR 2).

Why is the church so much interested in the unity of all Christians

The church thinks and believes that her commitment to ecumenism is based upon God’s plan (UUS 5).

ü  Old Testament

Right from the beginning, God created all of us in his image and likeness (Gn.). We can also make reference to the Mosaic covenant loaded with responsibility towards bringing other nations to come and worship God in Jerusalem. The image of Prophet Ezekiel 37: 16-28) referring to the situation of God's People at that time, and using the simple sign of two broken sticks which are first divided and then joined together, expressed the divine will to “gather from all sides” the members of his scattered people. “I will be their God, and they shall be my people. “Then the nations will know that I the Lord sanctify Israel”

ü  The New Testament

In John’s Gospel we have “Jesus would die for the nation and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad” (Jn.11:51-52). Indeed, as the Letter to the Ephesians explains, Jesus “broke down the dividing wall of hostility ... through the Cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end”; in place of what was divided he brought about unity (cf. Ephesians2:14-16).

The priestly prayer of Jesus in Jn17 that they may be one, the prayer of St Paul that they be one in mind and body could be referred to.

            It becomes obvious to all of us that the division among Christians is truly a scandal. “Division openly contradicts the will of Christ, provides a stumbling block to the world, and inflicts damage on the most holy cause of proclaiming the Good News to every creature” (UUS 6).

If God’s plan has always been the unity of all and if Jesus died for such unity, how can we Christians, followers of Jesus, who have faith in Jesus be so divided? It is because we have misunderstood the ministry and the work of Jesus? Or is it because we have been selfish and less considerate of one another?

Difficulties towards realising Christian unity

Though the church seem to be the forerunner of Christian unity, most of the difficulties I find spring from Church documents. For instance, we maintain that Christ founded one Church, and that one Church exist (UR 1&2). The one Church of Christ subsist in the Catholic Church (LG 8), governed by the successor of Peter and the college of Bishops in communion with him (UUS 10).  

Dominus Iesus maintains Jesus is the unique and universal saviour. He is the founder of the Church, but at the same time, he cannot be dissociated with his Church. This is what makes the Church necessary for salvation. “Christ is only made present to us in his body which is the Church...., the universal sacrament of salivation.” (DI 20). The Church as the sacrament of salvation remains the sign (pointing to salvation) and a symbol (making salvation present). The C.D.F. maintains that the word Church refers  to the only Church of Christ that subsist in the Catholic Church and by extension to those churches which remain in communion with the Church though valid sacraments and apostolic succession (DI 17). It is not acceptable to think that the Church of Christ exists nowhere and it is our challenge to attain the goal of establishing it.  Thus The Declaration therefore sets the Catholic Church above all the so called ecclesial communities suggesting that they are all under the bosom of the only Church of Christ which subsists in the Catholic Church.

In saying this, I am not intending to mean that the difficulties spring only from the catholic teachings. It is obvious to all that there are difficulties from all sides ranging from doctrine sometimes discipline, to the structure of the church.

Way forward towards ecumenism

ü  Oneness in Mind and Heart

We could achieve unity by reducing areas of focus. For St Paul, unity could be focused on two main points: Faith and Charity. In the letter to the Philippians2:2 he expresses that very well when he prays: “complete my Joy by being one in mind (faith) and heart (charity).” In the Acts of the Apostles, besides being one in Mind and Heart, they are urged to be one in fellowship, one in the breaking of the bread and one in prayer. Being one in charity is not really a problem and could be handled easily. But oneness in Faith is an area that constitutes the very raison d’être of our traditional divisions.

ü  The Scriptures

            Central to the process of growth in unity is growth in our understanding of the Word that binds us together. The Scriptures are the inspired testimony to that Word and as such constitute the source to which the Church's understanding of its faith must return again and again in order to deepen, purify and enrich the tradition of faith built on the Word witnessed to within it (Dei Verbum  21). This conviction we hold in common with other Christians. Hence central to the process is our growth in the understanding of the Scriptures (Directory of Ecumenism 59).

ü  The Church as the Body of Christ

The image of the Church as the Body of Christ could also be used to attain unity. In this case, we consider all the different Christian families or communities, churches as the case may be to be specific parts of the same body - having Christ as its head – working harmoniously towards the same goal, the harmonious growth of the body. Christ in this case is both at the centre and the head of all these churches ecclesial communities etc. In this model, we consider all the communities to have been gifted with a special charisma and so have the duty and responsibility to develop it utilise it for the purpose of all.

I am however aware that this model suffers from serious ecclesiological, and doctrinal limitation according to the teachings of the church, demises the privileged place of the church as the first among many and may also mean abiding with the dictatorship of relativism to quote the words of Benedict XVI.  But then, does apostolic succession and communion with the successor of Peter limit God or Jesus in the way he share Chrism? Are the symbols of faith the way we profess them in the Creed more important than the faith in Christ as expressed by Paul in Galatians 2:20 “it is no more I who live but Christ who lives in me”?

Summary & Reflection - 23rd January

The Search for Christian Unity

Jurey James Valendez Dela Cerna

Searching for unity...

The Catholic Church has unity in principle of Ecumenism and in doctrine and religious authority, but at the same time a firm belief in the right of the human person to religious freedom. And the Church makes a serious effort to respect people’s cultures, language, ways of worship and national character in the same family of faith. Indeed Christianity is really saying: God is our Father, and we are all brothers and sisters, let us hold hands together, let us work together, and make the world a better place in which we live.

            Objectively, the Catholic Church has all the Gifts of Christ meant for our salvation but subjectively, somehow the Catholic Church has often failed to appreciate and live these gifts in their fullness, and there is a need to dig deeper on this aspect in relation to other Christian denominations but also requires a lot of responsibility.

In present – day situation Religious plurality is a fact. Ecumenism is a way of being the Church today (part of it) therefore, part and parcel of this Church’s mission. Underlining in particular to promote the reunion of Christians in one Church according to the will of Christ the founder. Either we learn to walk together in peace and harmony, or we drift apart and ruin ourselves and others. The need of cordial relations between people of different religions help to build up and strengthen harmony in society not only live in harmony but also positively co-operate, then we can do much to promote moral values, development in all its forms and more justice in society.

Ecumenism is an indispensable task; every believer must be involved in dialogue at different level. As Christians we are obliged to work for the visible unity in diversity through conversion, prayer, charity and dialogue.  We acknowledge that working for unity among Christians is an up hill task, Ecumenism   as an indispensable mission of the Church is a single but complex and articulated reality. The reason why there is the necessity on interreligious relations is because of the will of Jesus Christ to keep unity among Christian denomination which is of human nature. It is true that there are wide differences between the Christian denominations. But it is also true that there are convergences or at least analogies. If for no other reasons, then at least because of the unity of human nature, the followers of the religions of the world should meet, listen to one another, try to understand one another and see what they can do together. That is what Ecumenism is all about. We also need a sense of greater conversion to God. Every believer who meets other believers in interreligious contacts should strive to be more and more open to the action of God. God speak to us through our encounter with other believers. Such can become occasions in which we are challenged to become more faithful to the deeper calls of our faith. As Christians, we should realize and recognize who we are and to whom we are witnesses. Only then can we be good ambassadors of Christian faith community.

“I’ve always said we should help

a Hindu become a better Hindu,

a Muslim become a better Muslim,

a Christian become a better Christian.” (Mother Teresa)

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - Initiatives and Experiences

Praying for Christian Unity with Catechumens

 By Mbilizi Bulambo Ghislain.(Sunday 22^nd January 2012)

 I have been involved in catechesis in Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish South B for two years and half now.  I must first agree that I was not very comfortable to conduct a session of Christian unity with catechumens. In fact, I spoke to them of the Catholic Church as the true Church with proof of its origins from the apostles. Many of these catechumens are from other Christian denomination. I felt like this topic will just confuse them.

But, we manage to gather two classes: those who have just started and those who are about to receive the sacraments. They were really keen to listen. I was commissioned by the other teachers to speak a bit about the history of our divisions. Very briefly, I spoke of the Church history highlighting the heresies of Arius, the division with Nestorius and the Coptic Church. I jumped on the great schism in 1054 with the East and then focused on the Church in the West with all the problems of the renaissance popes and the emergence of Luther and how since then, the power of division seemed to have been unleashed on the church.

I focused mainly where we went wrong. After this, I spoke of the ecumenical movement and the commitment of the Catholic Church to it as the desire to fulfill the initial plan of Christ of unity.

After this brief presentation, we explore together the theme of Christian unity this year: We will be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ. We zoomed in our attention on day 4 and day 5. These days are about victory over evil with good and the peace brought by the victory of Christ. We started with the Hymn We are One in the Spirit. Then the Word of God was read from Romans12: 17-21, after some silence, we also read from Ephesians2: 17-20. After this followed spontaneous prayer by most of us.

In these prayers, it was touching the way catechumens ask more for the strength to live out the insights of the topic about unity. They realize that in normal life, many of their neihgbours are not Catholics and so showing them more consideration is actually a demand of faith. Also many prayed for the change of heart that we may all realize that Christ is disgusted by our divisions. The teacher of the other class concluded with the prayer provided in the leaflet.

At the end, the catechumens ask for those leaflets about the week of the Christian unity and committed themselves to continue praying for the rest of the week for the unity of the Christian. One of the teachers who coordinates a YCS movement at Kiambu girls promised also to speak of the Christian unity to members of that movement. Thus, we ended with our session with some sense of gratitude. May the Lord change us as quick as possible so as we can be united in mind and heart.

                                                            

Ecumenism - Summary of the Week

THE SEARCH OF CHRISTIAN UNITY

Yes, there are challenges

By Virgilius Kawama

Today, the 23^rd January 2012, the lecturer (Fr. George Kocholickal) treated the topic “The Search of Christian Unity”. He started by analyzing the Church’s teaching on the Catholic unity. Those who belong to this Catholic unity were mentioned. He made a distinction between the Juridical and Spiritual Unity. The Juridical unity requires three elements; Catholic faith, Sacraments, and Ecclesiastical governance. While Spiritual unity is more guided by the presence of God’s grace, Divine life, salvation, charisma and gifts of the Holy Spirit. He later on clarified the phrases used ecumenically; 1) Universal Church as a collection of all churches which are under the power of the Pope, 2) Particular Churches as the Churches that falls under the diocesan bishop, 3) Churches not in full communion with the Catholic Church as those churches which are not in communion with the Bishop of Rome, and 4) Ecclesial communities as those without a valid Episcopate and Eucharistic celebration.

The relationship between the Eucharist, the Church, and the Christian unity was clarified though the question of “intercommunion” still remains unclear as to who can receive the body and blood of Christ. Later on the principles of the Catholic ecumenism were mentioned and dealt with in detail one-by-one starting with; 1) Religious liberty, 2) One church of Christ, 3) One church of Christ and the Catholic Church, 4) Supernatural gifts, charisma and unity of the Church, 5) Salvation, grace and Christian churches, 6) Salvation and the Catholic Church, 7) Unity and diversity, 8) Hierarchy of truths, 9) Sin of disunity and present day Christianity.

Reflection: Our group generally was very positive about the initiative of ecumenical movement. However, some of the principles of the Catholic ecumenism raised some questions; if we are really convinced that all the truth exists in the Catholic Church, why ecumenism? Does it mean that we are the best and others follow? This wonder is strengthened with the Pope’s stand when he invited the Anglicans to join us, why and what does this move imply, that we are better or what, are we really seeking for Unity? Nevertheless, we cannot deny the goodness of ecumenism as it is an opportunity for our leaders to open up and criticize one another on the matters concerning faith. The only problem is that on the ground as followers of different denominations we are so much attached to our churches’ beliefs that affect the ecumenical atmosphere, our relationships, and the extent to which we can go on discussing some matters of faith. There is too much tension, confusion, and competition as we try to protect our self-claimed absolute truths! The best solution could be that we try to put Jesus Christ on the centre (as a central ground to unify us) regardless of who we are so that all of us from different churches can be able to move forward to Christ and meet others in Him rather than bringing them to the Catholic beliefs. Actually, in some ways, if we are able to put Christ on the centre, and we all feel motivated towards Him, then the closer we come to Christ the closer we come to one another. Apart from that, the leaders are to educate their followers on the importance of ecumenism, they need to avoid ambiguous language and speak straight language that even uneducated follower can understand. We are to be proud of the fact that we all have both material and spiritual gifts though the extent to which we take care of them differs depending on personal or churches’ interests. What we need is to help one another discover these gifts and promote their growth for the benefit of all humankind so that each one may grow better in the life of faith in the Spirit and in the sacrament of unity.

Introductory Lecture on Ecumenism - Summary and Reflection

Is Unity of the Churches a Real Possibility or Is It an Unrealistic Utopia?

Ageng`a , Marcus Antonie

Unity is a Gift, yet we must work for it

The Post Second Vatican Council ecclesiology can be termed as “ecumenical”. The Council noted with concern that division amongst Christians “openly contradicts the will of Christ, scandalizes the world and damages that most holy cause, the preaching of the gospel to every creature” (UR, n.1).  The term ‘ecumenical movement’ indicates the initiative and activities encouraged and organized, according to the various needs of the Church and as opportunities offer, to promote Christianity unity” (UR, n. 4).

John Paul II stressed the Church’s role in ecumenism by indicating that the way of ecumenism is the way of the Church (UU, n.7) to which the Church has committed herself irrevocably (UU, n.3). In other words, the Pope suggests to the people of God to have ‘ecumenical heart’. Ecumenism, then, is not something ‘added’ to the nature and vocation of the Church, rather, it is essentially her nature to work for and restore communion. Especially during this one week of prayer for Christian unity, every Christian must pray for and work with zeal towards the realization of Jesus’ prayer that “they may be one”.

To the question as to whether visible unity amongst all the Christian Church’s would be a reality someday, it is important to indicate that ecumenism must not be seen only in ‘spiritual terms’. Ecumenism is not reducible to a mere good working relationship, or to a compromise in doctrinal elements or even on communio in sacris. Visible ecumenism is a real possibility, even though if faces real and profound challenges and difficulties. Ultimately, the project of restoring unity amongst Christians is not our work, but the Spirit’s work; the Spirit is the principle of unity amongst the people of God as Unitatis Redintegratio teaches “it is the Holy Spirit…who brings about that wonderful communion of the faithful and joins them together so intimately in Christ” (n. 2). So, we answer that ecumenism is both spiritual and visible in nature and with Yves Congar O.P., the father of Ecumenism, we believe that someday we shall have complete re-union.

“We believe in One Church”: St Paul founded many Churches who were aware of their oneness right from the beginning. Their unity was founded on ‘sharing one faith in the same gospel message and the bond of love that was showed in concrete care for the poor. In Acts, the basis of communion is one baptism, one faith and one Eucharist. During the Patristic times, one faith, Eucharist and Episcopate become the basis of communion. The Second Vatican Council basically adopts these patristic principles. Today, we speak of full communion as consisting in Catholic faith, Sacraments, Ecclesial governance; theological communion as consisting in spiritual, sacramental- this admits degrees (juridical communion does not).

We can conclude our reflection on ecumenism by indicating that the scandal of division that continues to affect the seamless robe of Christ (UR, 13) is also the scandal of every person that bears the name ‘Christian’; every Christian, therefore, bears the responsibility of working for the authentic restoration of Christian unity both spiritually and visibly. 

Introductory Lecture on Ecumenism - Summary and Reflection

"Complete my Joy by being of the same mind, having the same love" (Philippians 2:2)

By: Kassa , Sagou-Kolimta Mayetiguiba

Complete My Joy...

After a brief introduction based on the importance in number of the Orthodox church in the world, we went straight away to define Ecumenism. We learnt that Ecumenism is a movement that takes up the scandal, problems and challenges of Christian disunity and seek the restoration of unity. This is not an easy task for the Catholics, the Protestant and the Orthodox have different ecclesiological perspectives. If the Orthodox are for an ecclesiology centred on the local church with an episcopate of apostolic succession, For protestant, what is more important is the spiritual church, in which one gets admittance through baptism and faith in Jesus Christ. The physical church is of this world and is of less importance to them. The Catholic church without prejudice to the local church gives a great emphasis on the unity of the church under one leadership the Bishop of Rome.[1] Ut Unum Sint tells us however that “Ecumenism is the way of the Church” (n.5) and so effort should be made to achieve such a unity.

            We then went on to talk about the biblical foundation of the Christian Unity. It seemed very clear that right from the beginning, (Genesis) we were meant to be One. God created all of us at his image. We understood the universality of God’s covenant with Noah. Thought the Mosaic covenant was a particular covenant with Israel, it was filled with the Jews responsibility of bringing other nations to come and worship in Jerusalem the dwelling place of God.  The New Testament is more glaring in its call for unity. (See John17 see Paul’s letters for instance Galatians 3:28, Philippians 2:2 etc.). Ecclesial Unity in the New Testament is articulated around two main aspects: Faith and Charity characterised by oneness in fellowship, oneness in the breaking of the bread and oneness in prayer. We also mentioned unity in the Patristic time and unity as understood today in the pilgrim church composed of Saints and sinners. We mentioned the primordial place of the Holy Spirit in Ecumenism. 

Looking at the biblical background of the Christian unity, we are tempted to affirm with more certitude that the disunity of Christians is a true scandal. Perspectives are certainly different and unity may be difficult to attain but we must not give up on working towards this unity.  

We could try applying Paul’s principle of the Body of Christ to all the churches. Thus we will be looking at the Church as one body with different members (each church being a member) and Christ being the head of that body. In this case, all the members are allowed to perform their work for the good of the entire body.

We believe that with this perspective, there will be little cause for competition, there will be little in saying that this or that church is the best. All have a role to play and must play it well with full conviction so that the body may grow and develop harmoniously. We would like to mention that this does not mean relativism but having Christ as the purpose and the goal of everything.  

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[1] See the discussion between cardinal Kasper and Cardinal Ratzinger on the order (which one comes first) of the Local and the Universal the universal church. (could be found at this link http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=1250) 

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

"We will be changed by the Victory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (The Theme) 


I have in my possession the Resource Material (both in English and Swahili) TO ASSIST in organising the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.


You are welcome to get a copy from me one of  these days
Fr. George 

"That all may be one"

“May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you, so that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me!” (John 17:21)

At the threshold of entering into ministry in the Church, for most of us as Priests, we were privileged to begin the course on Ecumenism, which is to have quite a bit of practical component.

Today, after a brief introduction, we heard about the “call to unity” and learned of the many Churches and ecclesial communities present in Nairobi. In fact we realised that most of the major ecclesial traditions are present in Nairobi (The Greek Orthodox Church along Valley Road, The Coptic Church along Ngong Road, The Presbyterian and Lutheran Church along Nyerere Road, The Anglican Church along Valley Road, many Pentecostal and Evangelical Communities present all over...).

We also looked at the aim (objectives), learning outcome and the contents of the course. In fact now we know what to expect during the semester. We also looked at the requirements of the course, visited the Blog “Ecumenism2012” created for this, and looked into the dynamics of the course. We also visited the PCPCU web page at the http://www.vatican.va/

We are to make plans and then arrange for a practical ecumenical experience during the coming weeks.

We were given the task of visiting the library and familiarising ourselves with the ecumenical journals, especially the Information Service of PCPCU. This was done in the final hour. We were to visit the Blog-page Ecumenism2012 also.

Our tasks for this week:

We have the following tasks for this week.

1.      To register at the Blog “ecumenism2012” by submitting our email.

2.      To send the email-ID separately to the Lecturer (with the Subject ecumenism) to receive the comprehensive class notes

3.      To familiarise ourselves with the Journals on Ecumenism.

4.      4. To prepare for the WEEK OF PRYAER for Christian Unity, to make some form of intervention at the level of our religious community or in our pastoral work. The lecturer will strive to get the material on that distributed in the next class.

5.       5. To think about and begin planning visiting a non-Catholic Community in the near-future.