Ecumenical formation:
Initial Formation of Future Ordained ministers
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| The Challenge of Ecumenical Formation |
I remember saying here last week that those who are difficult to convince about Ecumenism, are seminarians. This is certainly because neither most of the seminarians did not have the chance to take a course in Ecumenism nor have they seized the opportunity that was offered to them. We could also blame some teachers who fail to offer Ecumenical dimension to their courses.
According to the directory of Ecumenism, the formation in Ecumenism of the future ordained ministers is important. The directory maintains that each and every future ordained minister must develop an ecumenically friendly and dialogue oriented language (D E 70). Besides this, a thorough Ecumenical formation of the seminarians articulated around: Doctrine and a practical field ecumenical experience must be given. However, these courses, and these Ecumenical encounters must be done according to the provisions made by the universal church, the Episcopal conferences and must by all means avoid ambiguity of any sort (D E 71).
What is the doctrinal formation all about?
- Every subject must have an Ecumenical dimension.
The seminarians should know that at the forefront of everything is faithfulness vis-à-vis the revealed truth, the deposit of faith received from the Apostles, and the Fathers of the Church (D E 73). It seemed to me that we are faithful to the revealed truth in keeping with the faith the Catholic Church has always professed. Consequently, none of these truths cannot and should not be altered in the name of Ecumenism.
Secondly the seminarians should be taught the distinction to be made between the truth and the way these truths are theologically stated. The deposit of faith, the truth is different from the formulation (Misterium Ecclesiae n.5). Then they are to be moulded in perceiving the difference between the apostolic tradition and strictly ecclesiastical traditions. Lastly, they have to learn the permanent values of the dogmatic formulations. D E 75 insists on maintaining the hierarchy of the truth (doctrines to be believed, but knowing that these doctrines do not have the same importance as far as the mystery of the revelation in Christ is concerned).
- Ecumenical dimension of theology in general
To achieve this Ecumenical dimension of theology in general, cooperation and reciprocal coordination between the catholic and non catholic professors in each of the theological discipline must be attained.
· Discussions could be raised around the Christian patrimony of truth common to all (Pentecost for instance)
· Cooperation and collaboration in exploring the riches of our different liturgies, spiritualities, and doctrines proper to each communion. This is to help us understand in a deeper way the nature of the Church.
· Explore the matters of faith and morals on which we disagree hoping that such an activity will lead us to probe deeper and deeper into the Word of God and understand it better.
- The Ecumenical dimension of individual theological discipline
The teachers are encouraged in each and every subject to explore the link between the particular subject and the mystery of unity (is there any way unity could be achieved in this?) (Remember that authentic Christian tradition has to be maintained).
Indulge in a comparative study in all the subjects (scripture, liturgy, apostolic fathers, dogmatic, moral, history, canon law (Divine, Ecclesial (culture, tradition))).
- Course on ecumenism: check out for Father George’s, SDB syllabus on Ecumenism.
- And then an Ecumenical experience with other Christian churches or ecclesial communities. This includes meeting the seminarians if there are of these communities for exchange and constructive talk and having a contact with the laity of the communities.
Guidelines for the Ecumenical formation of ministers and collaborators (catechists, teachers and other lay helpers)
1st is the doctrinal formation. Is almost the same as what has been described up at the exception that adaptations be made according to different localities, according to different congregation, societies of apostolic life, monasteries, and laity.
2nd is the ecumenical experience.
This is useful to translate the theoretical acquired knowledge into practice through exchange of information, or cultural exchange, spiritual encounter or even material help.
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