Pursuing the ecumenical journey with passion

The legacy of the past half century of dialogue between the different Christian denominations and the future direction of the ecumenical journey were under the spotlight here in the Vatican this week as the Pontifical council for Christian Unity marked its 50^th anniversary. On Thursday Pope Benedict met with members of the Council who’ve been holding their plenary assembly all week on the theme of ‘A new phase of the ecumenical dialogue’.

In his address the Pope said the ecumenical journey has come a long way over the past 50 years, building up new understanding and respect between the different churches and communities, overcoming historical prejudices, advancing the theological dialogue but also that of charity and cooperation on issues including the defence of life, the promotion of justice, care of the environment and common biblical translations.

The Pope noted that many in the Western churches feel the ecumenical journey has lost its impetus, thus there is an urgent need to form new generations and revive the enthusiasm necessary to tackle the challenges of further fragmentation and new ethical questions.
Also in the dialogue with the Orthodox and Oriental Churches, the Pope said the church pursues this journey with passion, including the crucial question of the role of the Bishop of Rome.

“Cari amici, pur in presenza di nuove situazioni problematiche o di punti difficili per il dialogo, la meta del cammino ecumenico rimane immutata, come pure l’impegno fermo nel perseguirla.”

Pope Benedict stressed that even when faced with new and difficult situations, the goal of the ecumenical journey must remain unchanged, along with our firm commitment to it. Not in terms of political negotiations or skilled mediation which sooner or later much reach a compromise acceptable to all sides. But rather in the two-fold action of theological research and prayer which remains at the heart of our whole journey together.

Listen.....