Scandal of division in the Church

(Vatican Radio) The credibility of the Church will be much greater if we can overcome divisions among Christians. That ecumenical imperative is an important part of the discussions going on at the Synod of Bishop on new evangelisation which concludes in the Vatican this weekend.
It’s also the view of the ‘fraternal delegates’ or representatives of other Christian Churches and communities who have been invited to share their views and suggestions with the 262 Catholic bishops from countries around the world.

Bishop Stephen Croff of Sheffield in the north of England is the Anglican delegate to this Synod and he stresses the excellent relations between members of the different Churches in the UK today. Just before giving his address to the Synod, he found time to sit down with Vatican Radio’s Philippa Hitchen and share his views on the future of ecumenism and evangelisation…..

Listen:

"I think due regard is being paid to the scandal of division in the Church in terms of communicating the Gospel…..but here we’re looking together at common problems, rather than facing the more narrow questions of ecumenism which I think is healthy…

Ecumenical ways of working are simply normal (in England)….we meet together, we pray together regularly, we meet with other faith leaders in the city and as far as we can we naturally work together so it’s become unthinkable to take initiatives without keeping the others informed…."