Vision and Hope for a Future of Peace and Justice
Dawn Devries
Leaving the meeting, my overwhelming impression, reinforced by Cardinal Kasper’s closing speech, was one of great hope for the future of our ecumenical work. The
Cardinal assured us, Anglicans and Protestants, that the Roman Church has an ongoing commitment to the ecumenical movement growing out of its sense of Catholic identity. Indeed, he said, ecumenism is essential to that identity. He interpreted the Petrine ministry as a ministry of unity, and for that reason underlined the special obligation that the Catholic church has for providing a kind of moderating service to the other churches. He wanted to assure us that the energy for ecumenism comes not only from his office, but from the heart of the Holy Father.
Cardinal Kasper recognized (probably in reference to the encyclical Dominus Jesus) that Papal statements sometimes prove difficult for partner churches to understand and to accept. Acknowledging the need for reform and renewal also in the Roman Catholic church the Cardinal called on us to continue on the path to unity—especially as we read the signs of the times.
Kasper offered the very attractive image of the ecumenical church as God’s alternative to the kind of economic globalization that is rampant in the world. The church as the sign of the unity of humankind under the reign of God provides a vision and a hope for a future of peace built on justice. The ecumenical movement can model the way in which different cultures and nations may exchange their gifts with one another.
I was particularly taken by the Cardinal’s suggestion that perhaps the time is ripe to produce a joint catechism or commentary on the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer and
the Ten Commandments (common to the five communions represented in this symposium). To my mind, such a document would be a terrific contribution to all the
churches and would go a long way towards increasing the “reception” of the results of ecumenical work in our congregations.
The discussions—both plenary and small group—were very rich. They combined the wise and experienced voices of people who have been involved in the ecumenical
dialogues since the late 60’s, together with newer participants. A document, the outcome of our work, will provide, I believe, a good set of guidelines for the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity as they forge ahead with the ongoing bi-lateral dialogues.
I was struck by the fact that coming to a mutual understanding of our “reconciled differences” and the hope for a common Eucharistic table is the goal of the unity we seek. I left the meeting feeling that these are not necessarily distant eschatological hopes, but real possibilities for our common Christian life in the next century or so. I was very grateful to be a part of this historic symposium, and I was richly blessed by the experience. I look forward to continuing to harvest the fruits of our dialogues.
Lutheran theologian Dawn Devries is J. N. Thomas Professor of Systematic Theology, at Union Seminary, Richmond, VA.
Lutheran theologian Dawn Devries is J. N. Thomas Professor of Systematic Theology, at Union Seminary, Richmond, VA.
