A short break from Called to be One - What Next? to explain Spiritual Ecumenism. My main source is a short book by Cardinal Walter Kasper (above), President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. The book is called A Handbook of Spiritual Ecumenism .
This approach is from the Roman Catholic tradition and reflects some of the gifts and constraints they bring to local ecumenism. On page 11, Kasper writes, by way of introduction to the theme:
Prayer for unity is the royal door of ecumenism: it leads Christians to look at the Kingdom of God and the unity of the Church in a fresh way; it deepens their bonds of communion; and it enables them to courageously face painful memories, social burdens and human weakness. In every age of history, the principal artisans of reconciliation and unity were persons of prayer and contemplation, inspiring divided Christians to recommit themselves to walk the path of unity.
This book is a statement of the Roman Catholic Church's commitment to its relationships with other local Christians.
- It is a good example of ecumenical reception . It is a clear summary of the ways Roman Catholics can interact with and work alongside other Christians. It is based upon trust. Catholics are invited to follow these guidelines and see where they lead.
- It offers a wide range of activities which enable Christians to experience the life of prayer together.
- Whilst its readership is primarily meant to be Roman Catholics, it is a useful book for a non-Catholics because it explains where Catholics are coming from.
- It does not offer any explanation of the Catholic Church's teaching about ecumenism. This is a practical book, encouraging the building of relationships in Christ.
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