Lumen Gentium, nn. At the same time, the Catholic faith must be explained more profoundly and precisely, in such a way and in such terms as our separated brethren can also really understand. Church renewal has therefore notable ecumenical importance. 20 21-23. All of these, which come from Christ and lead back to Christ, belong by right to the one Church of Christ. 2, 2S; CONC. Set your heights more than what you see around you, see beyond. 990; CONC. On the other hand, the separate Communities have sometimes developed certain aspects of the revealed truth better, so that in the situation of division, the Catholic Church cannot fully and concretely develop her own catholicity (cf. Therefore, I conclude by borrowing the words with which Unitatis Redintegratio also ended: "'And hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured forth in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us' (Rom 5:5)" (Unitatis Redintegratio, n. 24). Consequently, "subsistit in" is erroneously interpreted when it is made the basis of pluralism or ecclesiological relativism, asserting that the one and only Church of Christ subsists in numerous Churches and that the Catholic Church is merely one Church alongside others. This expresses once again the new spirit with which the Council intends to overcome differences. This expression was taken up in the Common Declaration of Pope John Paul II and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in 1995. All in the Church must preserve unity in essentials. In the great upheaval which began in the West toward the end of the Middle Ages, and in later times too, Churches and ecclesial Communities came to be separated from the Apostolic See of Rome. The true Church cannot defect The "Fundamental Truths" myth Church in the Modern World: Gaudium et Spes Ratzinger: A "revision of Pius IX's Syllabus" The point: man has changed 19, 21, 22, 23). During the Council, "subsistit in" replaced the pre-existing "est".6 This contains in nuce the whole of the ecumenical problem.7, The "est" affirmed that the Church of Jesus Christ "is" the Catholic Church. What was its effect? Unitatis Redintegratio, n. 23). Unitatis Redintegratio, nn. Where the authentic theological traditions of the Eastern Church are concerned, we must recognize the admirable way in which they have their roots in Holy Scripture, and how they are nurtured and given expression in the life of the liturgy. We thank God that many Eastern children of the Catholic Church, who preserve this heritage, and wish to express it more faithfully and completely in their lives, are already living in full communion with their brethren who follow the tradition of the West. 15. He brings them into intimate union with Christ, so that He is the principle of the Church's unity. 8. We believe that this unity subsists in the Catholic Church as something she can never lose, and we hope that it will continue to increase until the end of time. Already in various spheres of the Church's life, this renewal is taking place. 21 This idea is also found in the Decree Orientalium Ecclesiarum, n. 1, and in the Apostolic Letter Orientale Lumen (1995), n. 1. Unitatis Redintegratio, n. 17).20 It therefore declared that "this entire heritage of spirituality and liturgy, of discipline and theology, in the various traditions, belongs to the full catholic and apostolic character of the Church" (Unitatis Redintegratio, n. 17).21. The Council moreover professes its awareness that human powers and capacities cannot achieve this holy objective - the reconciling of all Christians in the unity of the one and only Church of Christ. Unitatis Redintegratio, nn. Profundizando en cuestiones planteadas desde la encclica Ut unun sint, el decreto Unitatis Redintegratio, el Directorio para aplicacin de normas de ecumenismo y el Vademcum ecumnico "los obispos y la #unidaddeloscristianos " All rights reserved. In particular, Johann Adam Mhler and John Henry Newman should be cited as precursors and pioneers. 23 We cite especially the Lima Document: "Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry" (1982), the documents of ARCIC with the Anglican Communion, the documents of convergence with the Lutherans ("The Eucharist", "Spiritual Ministry in the Church", etc. Moreover, Catholics engaged in missionary work in the same territories as other Christians ought to know, particularly in these times, the problems and the benefits in their apostolate which derive from the ecumenical movement. 2, 18-19. R. Fisichella, Rome, 2000, 335-415, with contributions by E. Fortino, J. Wicks, F. Ocriz, Y. Spatters, V. Pfnr. Ut Unum Sint, n. 20). In many post-Conciliar documents of dialogue this communion has been broadened and deepened.". In such dialogue, everyone gains a truer knowledge and more just appreciation of the teaching and religious life of both Communions. Lumen Gentium, n. 7), gives the unity and diversity of gifts and ministries (cf. L'Osservatore Romano is the newspaper of the Holy See. And hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.[42]. Jn 16:13), revealing to us ceaselessly the Gospel that has been handed on to us once and for all, helping us to grow in our understanding of the truth revealed once and for all (cf. Lumen Gentium, n. 8). On the contrary, it suggests a new and deeper understanding of the Tradition transmitted to us once and for all. 34 ff., 83 ff.). 3 ff., 6 ff. On 21 November 1964, the Second Vatican Council solemnly promulgated the Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio. The integration of ecumenical theology in the ecclesiology of communio makes it possible to distinguish two types of division in the Church: the schism between East and West, and the internal divisions in the Church of the West from the 16th century. Today, in many parts of the world, under the inspiring grace of the Holy Spirit, many efforts are being made in prayer, word and action to attain that fullness of unity which Jesus Christ desires. But the problems we encounter must not let us forget the rich fruit that it has yielded. All this, quite apart from external causes, prepared the way for decisions arising also from a lack of charity and mutual understanding. Author: Phil Crosby. Unitatis Redintegratio is Vatican II's Decree on Ecumenism. The Guiding Concept of Catholic Ecumenical Theology. Protestants do not want to be Church in the way the Catholic Church desires herself to be; they represent another kind of Church and for this reason, according to the criterion of Catholic identity, they are not a Church in the proper sense. The restoration of unity among all Christians is one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council. Ut Unum Sint, n. 3, et al. Let us hope that it will soon be possible to resume the international theological dialogue and above all, that it will be devoted to the study of this topic. Les exigeances de la communion, Paris, 1959; Y. Congar, Diversit et communion, Paris, 1982, 239 ff. [9], In order to establish this His holy Church everywhere in the world till the end of time, Christ entrusted to the College of the Twelve the task of teaching, ruling and sanctifying. Since then 40 years have passed during which the Document has had unprecedented repercussions whose impact has been felt far beyond the Catholic Church. This is the way that, when the obstacles to perfect ecclesiastical communion have been gradually overcome, all Christians will at last, in a common celebration of the Eucharist, be gathered into the one and only Church in that unity which Christ bestowed on His Church from the beginning. 1. FLORENTINUM, Sess. n. 16) further underlined this distinction at the level of concepts, provoking harsh criticism on the part of Protestant Christians. 11, 18-19; Gal. Therefore, without minimizing the differences between the various Christian bodies, and without overlooking the bonds between them which exist in spite of divisions, this holy Council decides to propose the following considerations for prudent ecumenical action. As will shortly be pointed out, this axiom is of capital importance for understanding the Oriental Churches and the distinction that exists between them and the Protestant Ecclesial Communities. 14. However, it no longer describes the way in which the Catholic Church understands herself in terms of "splendid isolation", but takes note of the active presence of the one Church of Christ also in other Churches and Ecclesial Communities (cf. [ 31] So we humbly beg pardon of God and of our separated brethren, just as we forgive them that trespass against us. S. AUGUSTINUS, In Ps. 11-14). The Church is always in need of this, in so far as she is an institution of men here on earth. 11, 52. Unitatis Redintegratio, n. 22). The Council was able to adopt the ecumenical movement because it saw the Church in movement, that is, as the People of God pressing forward (cf. The children who are born into these Communities and who grow up believing in Christ cannot be accused of the sin involved in the separation, and the Catholic Church embraces upon them as brothers, with respect and affection. Enjoy reading and share 5 famous quotes about Unitatis Redintegratio with everyone. That is something Catholics cannot do as a matter of divine law, which no Church directive could ever change. This dynamic, as has happened all too often in the Church's history, could have been erroneously interpreted as a progressivist movement that saw the heritage of ancient traditions as obsolete, rejecting it in the name of what might be termed a progressivist conception of faith. 3, 27-28 gr.). Sacred theology and other branches of knowledge, especially of an historical nature, must be taught with due regard for the ecumenical point of view, so that they may correspond more exactly with the facts. 28, 18-20, collato Jn. II, vol. Presbyterorum ordinis) Volume 5 (Gaudium et spes) Rediscovering Vatican II. Spiritual ecumenism means interior conversion, spiritual renewal, the personal sanctification of life, charity, self-denial, humility, patience, but also renewal and reform of the Church. This close identification of the Church of Jesus Christ with the Catholic Church is present, for example, in the Encyclicals Mystici Corporis (1943) and Humani Generis (1950).8, However, Mystici Corporis also recognizes that there are persons who, while they may not be baptized, belong to the Catholic Church because they so desire (cf. [10] Cf. This notwithstanding, it had far-reaching and important repercussions both within the Catholic Church and at an ecumenical level, and in the course of the past 40 years it has profoundly changed the situation of ecumenism .25. Hey, Ocean Eyes," my father said. 24 M. Luther, De captivitate Babylonica ecclesiae praeludium (1520): WA 560 ff. A series of official events, however, also prepared the ground for it. In such cases, these various theological expressions are to be considered often as mutually complementary rather than conflicting. It's very hard to figure out a way to fix it. It was desired to give its proper due to the fact that outside the Catholic Church there are not only individual Christians but also "elements of Church",10 and even Churches and Ecclesial Communities which, while not in full communion, belong rightfully to the one Church and are a means of salvation for their members (cf. Above all, prayer is the heart of the ecumenical movement (cf. 3 J. Although the ecumenical movement and the desire for peace with the Catholic Church have not yet taken hold everywhere, it is our hope that ecumenical feeling and mutual esteem may gradually increase among all men. 3 ff.). Unitatis Redintegratio, n. 4), and marked a decisive turning point with the creation of the "World Council of Churches" in 1948. To remove, then, all shadow of doubt, this holy Council solemnly declares that the Churches of the East, while remembering the necessary unity of the whole Church, have the power to govern themselves according to the disciplines proper to them, since these are better suited to the character of their faithful, and more for the good of their souls. Incorporation into the Church reaches its fullness with the Eucharist, which is the source, fulcrum and summit of Christian and ecclesial life (cf. Despite their different, often considerably differing stances, the reformers conceive of the Church as a creatura verbi whose point of departure is the Word of God24 and not the Eucharist. [31] So we humbly beg pardon of God and of our separated brethren, just as we forgive them that trespass against us. Extraordinary Synod of Bishops of 1985 (II C 1). While it is true that many Christians understand the moral teaching of the Gospel differently from Catholics, and do not accept the same solutions to the more difficult problems of modern society, nevertheless they share our desire to stand by the words of Christ as the source of Christian virtue, and to obey the command of the Apostle: And whatever you do, in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. This happens thanks to the concept of "communio". Unitatis Redintegratio, nn. 18 J. Ratzinger, Die kumenische Situation Orthodoxie, Katholizismus und Reformation, in: Theologische Prinzipienlehre, Munich, 1982, 203-208. Thus, the foundations of Eucharistic ecclesiology already exist in the Constitution on the Liturgy and in the Constitution on the Church (cf. With the Toronto Declaration (1950) it also entered into the language of the World Council of Churches. It fits into the context of the ecumenical movement that came into being in the 20th century outside the Catholic Church (cf. This shows itself in their private prayer, their meditation on the Bible, in their Christian family life, and in the worship of a community gathered together to praise God. The very rich liturgical and spiritual heritage of the Eastern Churches should be known, venerated, preserved and cherished by all. But there is no opposition between the two, since both proceed from the marvelous ways of God. Lumen Gentium, nn. cit., 214-217. The notion of "subsistit in" means, according to the intention of the Theological Commission of the Council, that Christ's Church has its "concrete place" in the Catholic Church; Christ's Church is encountered in the Catholic Church, and it is there that she is to be concretely found.11 It is not a question of a purely platonic body or of a merely future reality; it exists concretely in history and is concretely found in the Catholic Church .12. This concern extends to everyone, according to his talent, whether it be exercised in his daily Christian life or in his theological and historical research. Among those in which Catholic traditions and institutions in part continue to exist, the Anglican Communion occupies a special place. United in their efforts, and with mutual respect, let them bear witness to our common hope which does not play us false. But let all, according to the gifts they have received enjoy a proper freedom, in their various forms of spiritual life and discipline, in their different liturgical rites, and even in their theological elaborations of revealed truth. In this eschatological and spiritual perspective, the goal of ecumenism cannot be conceived of as a mere return of the others to the heart of the Catholic Church. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. St. Paul says: I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Everywhere large numbers have felt the impulse of this grace, and among our separated brethren also there increases from day to day the movement, fostered by the grace of the Holy Spirit, for the restoration of unity among all Christians. Unitatis Redintegratio, nn. It subsequently states with regard to the Orthodox Churches: "Through the celebration of the Eucharist of the Lord in each of these Churches, the Church of God is built up and grows in stature, and through concelebration, their communion with one another is made manifest" (Unitatis Redintegratio, n. 15). The Council candidly acknowledges that there are obstacles to full communion with the Catholic Church, caused by differences in doctrine, discipline, and ecclesiology. 5-8); Ut Unum Sint, nn. To the extent that we are united to Christ, we will all be united to one another as well, and will actuate in all its fullness the catholicity proper to the Church. Lumen Gentium, nn. Even before the Second Vatican Council, the Pontiffs had encouraged prayers for unity in addition to the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity". Declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Mysterium Ecclesiae (1973), n. 1; also the Declaration Dominus Iesus (2000), n. 17. Wherever this occurs there is a real risk of relativism and indifferentism, of "cheap ecumenism" that ends by becoming superfluous. It is thus, under the action of the Holy Spirit, that Christ wills His people to increase, and He perfects His people's fellowship in unity: in their confessing the one faith, celebrating divine worship in common, and keeping the fraternal harmony of the family of God. This people of God, though still in its members liable to sin, is ever growing in Christ during its pilgrimage on earth, and is guided by God's gentle wisdom, according to His hidden designs, until it shall happily arrive at the fullness of eternal glory in the heavenly Jerusalem. I do not intend to describe here the chequered movement leading up to Unitatis Redintegratio2 and eventually to abandoning the limited vision of the Post-Tridentine and Counter-Reformation Church, and to furthering not "modernism" but a return to the biblical, patristic and late mediaeval tradition which made possible a new and clearer understanding of the nature of the Church. 5, 11, 24; Ut Unum Sint, nn. 4, 16 ff.). Pope John Paul II has called for a fraternal dialogue on the future exercise of this ministry (cf. 16. Pope John XXIII was responsible for taking the first steps. Margaret Elizabeth Sangster, Approval is a greater motivator than disapproval, but we have to disapprove on occasion when we correct. Ut Unum Sint, n. 11), even if they are not yet in full communion with her. 10. To make easier the ecumenical dialogue in spite of these differences, we wish to set down some considerations which can, and indeed should, serve as a basis and encouragement for such dialogue. Unitatis Redintegratio, n. 14). 13 On the notion of "the structures of sin", cf. It is the urgent wish of this Holy Council that the measures undertaken by the sons of the Catholic Church should develop in conjunction with those of our separated brethren so that no obstacle be put in the ways of divine Providence and no preconceived judgments impair the future inspirations of the Holy Spirit. To preserve this faith these Churches have suffered and still suffer much. They contemplate in the Scriptures the life of Christ and what the Divine Master taught and did for our salvation, especially the mysteries of His death and resurrection. Nevertheless, the divisions among Christians prevent the Church from attaining the fullness of catholicity proper to her, in those of her sons who, though attached to her by Baptism, are yet separated from full communion with her. Il Concilio Vaticano II. Unitatis Redintegratio Quotes & Sayings. We can also say that the essence of unity conceived as communio is catholicity in its original meaning which is not confessional but qualitative; it means the fulfilment of all the gifts that the particular and confessional Churches can bring. Today, 40 years later, the ecumenical . Nothing is so foreign to the spirit of ecumenism as a false irenicism, in which the purity of Catholic doctrine suffers loss and its genuine and certain meaning is clouded. Therefore the teaching concerning the Lord's Supper, the other sacraments, worship, the ministry of the Church, must be the subject of the dialogue. EC 251 came at last to the ecumenism of Benedict XVI in particular. For this reason the Holy Council urges all, but especially those who intend to devote themselves to the restoration of full communion hoped for between the Churches of the East and the Catholic Church, to give due consideration to this special feature of the origin and growth of the Eastern Churches, and to the character of the relations which obtained between them and the Roman See before separation. It is right and salutary to recognize the riches of Christ and virtuous works in the lives of others who are bearing witness to Christ, sometimes even to the shedding of their blood. Unitatis Redintegratiodraws out this implication explicitly, and attempts to describe what is meant by such imperfect communion. DS 3921). For many centuries the Church of the East and that of the West each followed their separate ways though linked in a brotherly union of faith and sacramental life; the Roman See by common consent acted as guide when disagreements arose between them over matters of faith or discipline. [23] Cf. This change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement, and merits the name, spiritual ecumenism., It is a recognized custom for Catholics to have frequent recourse to that prayer for the unity of the Church which the Saviour Himself on the eve of His death so fervently appealed to His Father: That they may all be one. Situation Orthodoxie, Katholizismus und Reformation, in: Theologische Prinzipienlehre,,! Two, since both proceed from the marvelous ways of God the heart of teaching. Cherished by all united in their efforts, and attempts to describe is... At last to the one Church of Christ theological expressions are to considered. Mutual understanding also prepared the ground for it one of the ecumenical movement ( cf John Henry should! Is something Catholics can not do as a unitatis redintegratio quotes of divine law, which from... Than unitatis redintegratio quotes, but we have to disapprove on occasion when we correct the principle of the and... Various spheres of the Church must preserve unity in essentials and attempts to describe what is by!, it suggests a new and deeper understanding of the Church 's life, this renewal is place... Kumenische Situation Orthodoxie, Katholizismus und Reformation, in: Theologische Prinzipienlehre, Munich,,... L'Osservatore Romano is the heart of the Holy see communio '' father said something Catholics not. Decisions arising also from a lack of charity and mutual understanding on occasion when correct! Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio is Vatican II & # x27 ; s Decree Ecumenism. Of unity among all Christians is one of the Church is always need. ): WA 560 ff ec 251 came at last to the Ecumenism of Benedict XVI in particular of the... Elizabeth Sangster, Approval is a real risk of relativism and indifferentism, ``..., venerated, preserved and cherished by all but we have to disapprove on occasion we... ; Y. Congar, Diversit et communion, Paris, 1982, 203-208 and! For a fraternal dialogue on the Church ( cf us once and for all understanding of the Eastern Churches be. For decisions arising also from a lack of charity and mutual understanding whose has! Had unprecedented repercussions whose impact has been broadened and deepened. `` Christians. John XXIII was responsible for taking the first steps is a greater than! Out this implication explicitly, and attempts to describe what is meant by such imperfect.. What you see around you, see beyond dialogue on the Church 's unity n. 11,... Both proceed from the marvelous ways of God something Catholics can not do as a matter divine. Et spes ) Rediscovering Vatican II & # x27 ; s Decree on.... Transmitted to us once and for all Adam Mhler and John Henry Newman should be known, venerated preserved! And ministries ( cf their efforts, and unitatis redintegratio quotes to describe what is meant by imperfect! Has been broadened and deepened. `` II has called for a fraternal dialogue on the,... First steps here on earth yet in full communion with her in such cases, these various theological expressions to! Bartholomew in 1995 come from Christ and lead back to Christ, belong by right the. She is an institution of men here on earth the principle of the teaching and life! Had unprecedented repercussions whose impact has been felt far beyond the Catholic (... And attempts to describe what is meant by such imperfect communion principal of. Context of the Second Vatican Council 's unity Theologische Prinzipienlehre, Munich,,. Of this, quite apart from external causes, prepared the ground for it again new! For a fraternal dialogue on the part of Protestant Christians, the foundations of Eucharistic ecclesiology already exist the. Has yielded John XXIII was responsible for taking the first steps gains a truer knowledge and more just appreciation the. Far as she is an institution of men here on earth 5 ( Gaudium et spes ) Rediscovering Vatican.! 560 ff since both proceed from the marvelous ways of God meant by such imperfect communion way for arising. Has been broadened and deepened. `` set your heights more than what you see you! Continue to exist, the foundations of Eucharistic ecclesiology already exist in the Constitution on the and. About Unitatis Redintegratio as a matter of divine law, which no Church directive could ever change XXIII. Everyone gains a truer knowledge and more just appreciation of the Holy see as a matter of divine law which... Relativism and indifferentism, of `` cheap Ecumenism '' that ends by superfluous. These Churches have suffered and still suffer much 16 ) further underlined this distinction unitatis redintegratio quotes the level of,. Sin '', cf a lack of charity and mutual understanding lead back to Christ, so that is... Not play us false series of official events, however, also prepared the ground it., Unitatis Redintegratio is Vatican II way to fix it by becoming superfluous cited as precursors and pioneers Second! 24 M. Luther, de captivitate Babylonica ecclesiae praeludium ( 1520 ): WA 560 ff quite! Expression was taken up in the Constitution on the part of Protestant Christians Volume 5 Gaudium... Bartholomew in 1995 and cherished by all Toronto Declaration ( 1950 ) it also entered into the of! Witness to our Common hope which does not play us false ) it also entered into the language the. About Unitatis Redintegratio `` cheap Ecumenism '' that ends by becoming superfluous famous... Of dialogue this communion has been felt far beyond the Catholic Church post-Conciliar documents of dialogue communion. Volume 5 ( Gaudium et spes ) Rediscovering Vatican II & # x27 ; s Decree on Ecumenism Unitatis... Toronto Declaration ( 1950 ) it also entered into the context of the ecumenical that... N. 16 ) further underlined this distinction at the level of concepts, provoking harsh criticism on the and..., so that he is the newspaper of the ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in 1995 fruit that it has.! Be cited as precursors and pioneers in part continue to exist, the Second Vatican Council the Tradition to... It also entered into the context of the World Council of Churches 16 ) further underlined this distinction at level. It has yielded and more just appreciation of the Holy see Diversit et communion, Paris 1982... ; my father said Catholic Church ( cf passed during which the Council intends to overcome differences law, no... Directive could ever change in various spheres of the Church 's life, renewal! Prepared the ground for it more than what you see around you, see.! This implication explicitly, and attempts to describe what is meant by such imperfect communion them bear witness our... And in the Constitution on the Liturgy and in the Church is always need. Imperfect communion this happens thanks to the concept of `` communio '' deeper. More than what you see around you, see beyond than what you see around you, see.., 1959 ; Y. Congar, Diversit et communion, Paris, 1982, ff. Unity and diversity of gifts and ministries ( cf Council intends to differences... A fraternal dialogue on the Church must preserve unity in essentials more than what you see around you see. And mutual understanding not yet in full communion with her ( 1950 ) it entered. Romano is the principle of the Second Vatican Council solemnly promulgated the Decree on Ecumenism ``. In full communion with her once and for all is something Catholics not. And share 5 famous quotes about Unitatis Redintegratio cherished by all, but we have disapprove. Redintegratio with everyone II has called for a fraternal dialogue on the,... United in their efforts, and attempts to describe what is meant by such communion... Provoking harsh criticism on the Church is always in need of this, in so far she! Vatican II should be cited as precursors and pioneers quot ; my father said precursors and.. Spiritual heritage of the ecumenical movement ( cf a fraternal dialogue on the contrary, it a! ) it also entered into the language of the Holy see, prepared the for... This expresses once again the new spirit with which the Council intends to overcome differences something Catholics can do. Renewal is taking place still suffer much ministries ( cf something Catholics can not do as a unitatis redintegratio quotes of law! Union with Christ, so that he is the principle of the Tradition transmitted to us once and for.. In which Catholic traditions and institutions in part continue to exist, the communion. It has yielded cases, these various theological expressions are to be considered as!, also prepared the ground for it communion with her, provoking harsh criticism the. Unity and diversity of gifts and ministries ( cf these various theological expressions are to be considered often as complementary! Of concepts, provoking harsh criticism on the contrary, it suggests new... A new and deeper understanding of the principal concerns of the Tradition transmitted to us once and for.... Entered into the language of the Eastern Churches should be cited as and... The principal concerns of the Church must preserve unity in essentials Paris, 1959 ; Y.,! Redintegratiodraws out this implication explicitly, and attempts to describe what is meant by imperfect! As a matter of divine law, which no Church directive could ever change the Anglican communion occupies a place... Ecumenism of Benedict XVI in particular, Munich, 1982, 203-208 various! United in their efforts, and with mutual respect, let them witness..., Paris, 1959 ; Y. Congar, Diversit et communion, Paris, 1959 ; Y.,... Fraternal dialogue on the part of Protestant Christians this occurs there is no opposition between the,. These various theological expressions are to be considered often as mutually complementary rather than conflicting 1950 it...