All baptized persons belong to the Church of Jesus Christ. That is why also those Christians who find themselves separated from the full communion of the Catholic Church are rightly called Christians and are therefore our sisters and brothers. Instances of separation from the one Church of Christ came about through falsifications of Christs teaching, human failings, and a lack of willingness to be reconciled usually on the part of representatives on both sides. Christians today are in no way guilty for the historical divisions of the Church. The Holy Spirit also works for the salvation of mankind in the Churches and ecclesial communities that are separated from the Catholic Church. All of the gifts present there, for example, Sacred Scripture, sacraments, faith, hope, love, and other charisms, come originally from Christ. Where the Spirit of Christ lives, there is an inner dynamic leading toward reunion, because what belongs together wants to grow together. What must we do for the unity of Christians? In word and deed we must obey Christ, who expressly wills that they may all be one (Jn 17:21). Christian unity is the business of all Christians, regardless of how young or old they are. Unity was one of Jesus most important concerns. He prayed to the Father, that they may all be one ... so that the world may believe that you have sent me (Jn 17:21). Divisions are like wounds on the Body of Christ; they hurt and fester. Divisions lead to enmities and weaken the faith and credibility of Christians. Overcoming the scandal of separation requires the conversion of all concerned but also knowledge of ones own faith conviction, dialogues with others, and especially prayer in common, and collaboration among Christians in serving mankind. Those in authority in the Church must not let the theological dialogue be interrupted.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 08:26:16 +0000
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