I have always believed that to be ecumenical meant emphasizing the major dogmas of our faith, the main points of doctrine that we all have in common, and tolerating our differences. If so, aren’t we in danger of polluting our faith? *** Emphasizing the main principles of our Christian faith that we, Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans and other Protestants have in common, offers a practical approach to unity and ecumenism, I agree. We share many outstanding riches: the same faith in the Holy Trinity and in Christ Jesus, the same source of graces, the same Word of God, some of the sacraments, etc. We are already united in many areas. But our unity is imperfect. This is why we must continue to work towards total communion, if we are true followers of Christ: he really wants us to be perfectly united (Jn 17: 20-23). Should we tolerate our differences? Maybe! As long as we don’t resign ourselves to them, as long as we do not accept them as necessary. The risk would be to water down our faith and even to endanger it. True ecumenism consists precisely in affirming that to which we adhere. As we start on the road to ecumenism, we first must clearly understand and define our own faith (Dominus Jesus). Then, dialogue with other denominations can begin. The entire doctrine proclaimed by Jesus is important, and the doctrinal differences between the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations are not insignificant. We must strive to discover through prayer and mutual respect what the Lord truly taught us. In this way, true work towards ecumenism will progress and, far from creating spiritual pollution, it will enrich our faith. |