Pope to Pontifical Council for Christian Unity

(December 12, 2008) Theological dialogue is an essential process in recovering full communion among Christians, because of which it has to be fostered and encouraged, Pope Benedict XVI said on Friday. This exhortation of his came in an address he delivered to the participants in the plenary session of the Vatican’s pontifical Council for Christian Unity. Taking stock of the current situation in ecumenical dialogue the Pope felt consoled over significant steps in theological dialogue and the strengthening and the growth of ecclesial brotherhood with larger ecclesial communities, especially with the Orthodox Churches. He expressed satisfaction that this dialogue involves not just pastors alone, but also the various components of the people of God. However, he observed that in many regions, new communities and groups are being founded, and unusual trends are being noticed. Sometimes, there are even tensions between Christian communities; therefore, theological dialogue is important, and one needs to proceed with prudence and wisdom, he said.