Category Archives: Unitatis Redintegratio

With this post, we come to the conclusion of the decree on ecumenism. Now that we have briefly set out the conditions for ecumenical action and the principles by which it is to be directed, we look with confidence to the … Continue reading →

Unitatis Redintegratio 23 details other important stepping stones aside from the three we’ve covered in the last few posts, especially prayer and worship: The daily Christian life of these (sisters and brothers) is nourished by their faith in Christ and strengthened by … Continue reading →

The third cause for hope is in Baptism, the commencement of the sacramental life: Whenever the Sacrament of Baptism is duly administered as Our Lord instituted it, and is received with the right dispositions, a person is truly incorporated into the … Continue reading →

The Bible also gave the council bishops hope, despite differences in how Christians see the relationship between the inspired Word of God and the Church: A love and reverence of Sacred Scripture which might be described as devotion, leads our (brothers … Continue reading →

Protestant and Catholic common focus on Christ is enough to give rise to hope: Our thoughts turn first to those Christians who make open confession of Jesus Christ as God and Lord and as the sole Mediator between God and (humankind), … Continue reading →

So now we come to Vatican II’s consideration of “Separated Churches and Ecclesial Communities in the West,” subheading II of Chapter III. First another brief history lesson: In the great upheaval which began in the West toward the end of … Continue reading →

Taking a break from our discussion on discernment, we read in UR 18 the council’s final thoughts on East-West ecumenism: After taking all these factors into consideration, this Sacred Council solemnly repeats the declaration of previous Councils and Roman Pontiffs, … Continue reading →

Today’s theme: complementary, not conflicting: What has just been said about the lawful variety that can exist in the Church must also be taken to apply to the differences in theological expression of doctrine. In the study of revelation East … Continue reading →

We continue our 5-section examination of Eastern Christians, and the world’s Catholic bishops are quite direct in what they see as proper governance in the East: Already from the earliest times the Eastern Churches followed their own forms of ecclesiastical … Continue reading →

Today’s section praises the liturgical traditions of the East, and reminds Catholics that their sacraments are entirely “true” and valid. Everyone also knows with what great love the Christians of the East celebrate the sacred liturgy, especially the eucharistic celebration, … Continue reading →

Subheading I covers the next five sections (14-18) and the “Special Consideration of the Eastern Churches” For many centuries the Church of the East and that of the West each followed their separate ways though linked in a (close) union of … Continue reading →

With this post, we begin the examination of Chapter III, treating “Churches And Ecclesial Communities Separated From The Roman Apostolic See.” We now turn our attention to the two chief types of division as they affect the seamless robe of … Continue reading →

Christian cooperation in any number of endeavors is urged: Before the whole world let all Christians confess their faith in the triune God, one and three in the incarnate Son of God, our Redeemer and Lord. United in their efforts, … Continue reading →

The Vatican II bishops address one of the modern concerns of conservatives: The way and method in which the Catholic faith is expressed should never become an obstacle to dialogue with our (sisters and brothers). It is, of course, essential … Continue reading →

Christendom’s observance for unity concluded yesterday, but we’re not quite halfway through Vatican II’s Decree on Ecumenism. If this next bit is in print, then there’s a recognition that historical fact has sometimes taken a back seat to more heated … Continue reading →