The Search for Christian Unity
Jurey James Valendez Dela Cerna
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| 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)
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