CDF explains Vatican II teaching on the Church in relation to other Christian churches

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Reaffirmation of doctrine on salvation in the Church related to St. Pius X Society?

Comments: 25

Vatican City, Jul 10, 2007 / 09:29 am (CNA).- The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the leadership of Cardinal William Levada, issued a document today that provides further explanation of the teachings of Vatican II on the nature of the Church.

In the wake of the Second Vatican Council, some theologians have proposed interpretations of the Church’s teaching which have been in error and have “give[n] rise to confusion and doubt.” The purpose of this document is to dispel this confusion and bring greater clarity to the matter.

The issuance of these clarifications on the heels of Benedict's Motu Proprio, may signal an attempt by the Vatican to remove all possible barriers towards reconciliation with the Society of St. Pius X. The society claims that the Church departed from the teaching that there is no salvation outside the Catholic Church at the Second Vatican Council.

What follows is a summary form of the questions and answers. The full length document can be found in CNA’s documents section.

First Question: Did the Second Vatican Council change the Catholic doctrine on the Church?

Response: The Second Vatican Council neither changed nor intended to change this doctrine, rather it developed, deepened and more fully explained it.

Second Question: What is the meaning of the affirmation that the Church of Christ subsists in the Catholic Church?

Response: Christ 'established here on earth' only one Church and instituted it as a 'visible and spiritual community', that from its beginning and throughout the centuries has always existed and will always exist, and in which alone are found all the elements that Christ himself instituted. 'This one Church of Christ, which we confess in the Creed as one, holy, catholic and apostolic. ... This Church, constituted and organized in this world as a society, subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the successor of Peter and the Bishops in communion with him'.

Third Question: Why was the expression 'subsists in' adopted instead of the simple word 'is'?

Response: …It comes from and brings out more clearly the fact that there are 'numerous elements of sanctification and of truth' which are found outside her structure, but which 'as gifts properly belonging to the Church of Christ, impel towards Catholic Unity.'

In fact the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as instruments of salvation, whose value derives from that fullness of grace and of truth which has been entrusted to the Catholic Church.

Fourth Question: Why does the Second Vatican Council use the term 'Church' in reference to the oriental Churches separated from full communion with the Catholic Church?

Response: The Council wanted to adopt the traditional use of the term. 'Because these Churches, although separated, have true sacraments and above all - because of the apostolic succession - the priesthood and the Eucharist, by means of which they remain linked to us by very close bonds,' they merit the title of 'particular or local Churches,' and are called sister Churches of the particular Catholic Churches.

Fifth Question: Why do the texts of the Council and those of the Magisterium since the Council not use the title of 'Church' with regard to those Christian Communities born out of the Reformation of the sixteenth century?

Response: According to Catholic doctrine, these Communities do not enjoy apostolic succession in the sacrament of Orders, and are, therefore, deprived of a constitutive element of the Church.

Comments: 25

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Bernard
Johns Creek, Georgia 07/19/2007 09:57 AM EST

Did anyone see the Associated Press article about this new Q&A? The author of the article misinterpreted the Q&A. Read the 8th paragraph of the article, which Yahoo! News carried at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070710/ap_on_re_eu/pope_other_christians .

I've written to the AP asking them to correct the story and pointing out how the third question of the new Q&A document does not say what the author of the article wrote that it says. I encourage everyone else to do the same.

Published by: Henry
Virginia 07/17/2007 02:59 PM EST

After all of what the traditionalists have enjoyed from Benedict's little discourse on the true church, please turn to the article on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles paying out $660 million for child molestation. Try and reconcile the two if you can. You are happy to have your medieval latin mass and a statenent that sounds like a kid in the sandbox - We have more toys than you have. It talks about Apostolic Succession through Holy Orders - marrying a function of service to a form of government. Christ never said anything about that. Perhaps Apostolic Succession is not through Holy Orders and "drop the baton" theology, but through the sacrament of Baptism that creates and sustains the Church. The church needs to give up its Triumphalism and find a little humility. The church needs to rethink all of its theology which does nothing but shore up the "Boys Club" and start adopting some real Honesty about its position. Put away all the well thought "theology" of catechisms and pick up your Bible. Get input from the laity and Protestant and Orthodox brothers and sisters. Rethink the government and nature of the church. Get real and come into the 21st century.

Published by: James
Toronto, Canada 07/11/2007 10:36 AM EST

The modern Martin Luther? You mean an apostate masquerading as a priest? You will find enough of them in the Vatican this very day. The struggle to root out apostasy and heresy continues!

Published by: Marcos Batista de Abreu
Rio das Ostras - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil 07/11/2007 09:56 AM EST

Dear brother and sisters in Christ,

Christian Greetings!

I am an Orthodox Christian and I used to be an Anglican. All my family is Protestant. My father has been a well-respected Baptist for over seventy years.
I hope all recent writings of the Roman Church writings is done out of love for the different and not out of hate as it has been done for many centuries.
Sincerely,
Marcos

Published by: JW
NC, USA 07/11/2007 07:45 AM EST

Thank God! We now have 40 years of poorly formed Catholics including at least some of the priesthood. The world is starving for truth...The RC church is Blessed to be the bearer of that full truth...We ought to be glad of it rather than embarrassed of it.

Published by: Benedict Carter
Moscow, Russia 07/11/2007 05:46 AM EST

Dear Henry,
The fact that you hold a completely erroneous view of what Vatican II actually said and taught is exactly the reason why this document, a clarification, has been issued. The Catholic Church is back - in all Her Glory.

Published by: Mary
PA 07/11/2007 05:31 AM EST

Vatican II has not gone "down the drain". Unfortunately some individuals with an agenda hijacked the spirit of Vatican II in an attempt to change the church. We as the Church of Christ have every right to protect it. It is Christ who gave it to us. We have every right to pray for those who are not part of the church and in particular the Jewish people that may come to the fullness of the truth. My husband is a convert from Judaism and finds no fault in Pope Benedict's comments.I applaud Pope Benedict. He is attempting to restore the visible holiness that is frequently absent, the reverence that is needed. Perhaps it will inspire more people to repond to a vocation. His courage and resolve are to be commended. By the way, the only reference to the Jewish people would have been in the Good Friday mass which will not be used. Good Friday mass will continue to be as it is.

Published by: Kay
Wisconsin 07/10/2007 10:35 PM EST

Perhaps now we will finally get back to what Vatican II was meant to be, not what it became, when certain American clergy and laity took it and ran with it. We do not want to be pre-Vatican II, we just want the true Vatican II reforms, not the made up ones.
Also, what is wrong with Latin Mass for those who desire it? It was the accepted practice for many years and many vocations came from it. I'm glad there will be the vernacular but also allowance for Latin Masses in our diocese.

Published by: Jim
Port Orange/FL 07/10/2007 10:12 PM EST

Oh Henry have mercy! Are you not paying attention even in the slightest? Vatican II remains intact and now is more clearly explained thanks to the wisdom of God bestowed to our Holy Father Pope Benedict. Now true ecumenism has the chance to grow in the fertile soil of the Truth!

Published by: G. De Feo
Brooklyn/NY/USA 07/10/2007 08:00 PM EST

It is a very bold move of the part of Benedict--and well overdue.

The "springtime" for the Church never materialized after Vatican II, just alienation as a result of it having been held during the riotous 1960s when, if anything, Vatican I needed reiteration and clarification. The Catholic Church needs to be stalwart in the face of novelty--and 40 years on is better than if it would never occur.

P.S. I think sober doctrine is not meant to be "fun" but have spiritual gravity: correct, rebuke, exhort as we see the day approaching.

Published by: Michael
Walland/TN/USA 07/10/2007 07:51 PM EST

Henry,

I don't understand. Do you think anything in this document is new? He is merely reaffirming what has always been taught by the Church and clarifying the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. And alienation of the Jewish community? Do you not believe that there is no salvation outside of the Catholic Church, as taught in Lumen Gentium?

Published by: John
Aurora/Indiana/USA 07/10/2007 06:23 PM EST

Taking a different perspective, maybe this needed to be clarified and re-iterated, causing those outside the Church to take a second look at themselves and encourage their reconciliation with Holy Mother Church. Sometimes the truth hurts, but it is still the truth.

Published by: Kim Poletto
Englewood, Colorado 07/10/2007 05:52 PM EST

Dear Henry Virginia: If you really believe what you posted on 7/10/07, then your understanding of what Vatican II was and is, is seriously misplaced. What the CDF has done is to reiterate what the Church's teaching has always been. These teachings are also found within the documents of Vat II, which might be a worthwhile read to find out what it was really about and what it really taught. I am not a SSPX schimatic but welcomed the document on the Mass of John XXIII. Kind of got tired of all the applause from the Novus Ordo. Regarding the modern Martin Luther, you mgiht want to start by looking at the heretical priests/theologians/religious that have come out of the woodwork since Vat II. No shortage there. Peace

Published by: Jack
USA 07/10/2007 05:44 PM EST

Christ intended One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. the miraculous catch of fish in John's gospel, shows us that the net did not tear, but was one, hence, the apostles hauled in the net full of fish. Christ wants the Church to be one. He made all people and wants us all to love Him and be one body in Him. Reconciliation with all peoples is the way that God wants us to act upon. I pray that all schis are mended and all strife be ended. Vatican II is a good thing. True, whatever the Pope and the Bishops united to him decide upon from the Holy Spirit's guidance, we must accept as truth and the right thing from God Himself. I pray that Protestants become iniated into the Catholic Church, as well as all peoples. Christ said to go and preach the gospel to every creature who hungers! Vatican II deepened the teachings of the Church as the article says. We are in the age of the Holy Spirit and have been since Pentecost. The end can come whenever and suddenly; when the Father is ready as the gospels solemnly affirm. The Church should be one universal Church as Christ intended it. Everybody has a seat at the Father's table in heaven awaiting he or she. Our choice is now to decide if we want to love God and make peace with all people. We are asked to forgive. He then, will forgive us! The Church was founded by Christ to save souls. Christ's own suffering is what makes sense of all human suffering. He bore our sins and we are healed through His wounds and Resurrection.

Published by: Robert Lockwood
Lafayette, CA 07/10/2007 05:41 PM EST

To Henry - You poor soul, you deserve our prayers - but being born 1950 or later you have an excuse - you might study Catholic history and you will learn a) SSPX is not schismtic and b) we have had 42 years of the destruction of 1900 years of construction.

Published by: Peter D Howard
Brisbane, Australia 07/10/2007 04:43 PM EST

This is great. Propaganda distorting Vatican II has been evident since the Council. This reiterates the truth; the letter and the spirit of Vatican II.

Published by: Charles W
Kirkland, WA 07/10/2007 04:35 PM EST

"Peter has spoken through Benedict!"

Hooray for us. It wasn't that Vatican II was wrong, it was that Liberals like usual misinterpretted it's message.

This is great news. We should always pray for the Jews to be saved through Christ. Isn't that the highest form of love a christian can offer?

This is not about the SSPX weirdos. Anyone who is schismatic is a heretic. Our Holy Father guides us, and Henry you should listen up.

Everything Pope Benedict has said is true.

Where is the modern Martin Luther? He was a heretic and it sounds like you are too. You are either in the fold, or outside. Choose!

"Catholic orthodoxy is the cure for moral and theological relativism."

Published by: Art
Wisconsin 07/10/2007 04:23 PM EST

A good clarification of the Church's teaching, which hasn't changed since Vatican II. I will pray that given how the press likes to present Catholic news with divisive twist, that God continue to stregthen the faithful to live the spirit of the teaching.

Published by: Steven
Little Rock/AR 07/10/2007 03:58 PM EST

The comments by Henry is exactly why the the Pope has had to issue these documents.Vatican II never changed these teaching just people like Henry thought that it did.

Published by: James
Rochester NY 07/10/2007 01:54 PM EST

Now now, Henry. Where is there any contradiction between these statements and the documents of the Council?

Published by: Linda
Brantford, Ontario, Canada 07/10/2007 01:49 PM EST

At last! True understanding of what the Spirit tried to teach us in Vatican II. Thank God the Holy Father who, with courage from the Holy Spirit, explains without compromise these truths to the world. Jesus Himself told us the gate is narrow. Church leaders who, over the years, pretended they could enlarge the gate did no one any favours. Perhaps, finally, once again there will be humble pride in belonging to the True Church. Those who do not wish to obey are not bound to call themselves "Catholic" and those who do not wish to be "in dialogue" with the True Church are not compelled to do so, but those of us who have patiently waited for the return of the Church can now rejoice.
Deo gratias!

Published by: Jack
Ohio 07/10/2007 01:48 PM EST

It's not "so much for Vatican II" it is so much for the spirit of Vatican II. May it rest in peace.

Published by: Antonio A. Badilla
Simi Valley, Calif 07/10/2007 01:00 PM EST

Henry,

"Well, so much for Vatican II. It was fun while it lasted."

Not a very responsible nor truthful statement.

"First the return to the old latin mass and alienation of the Jewish community."

The "old Mass", the Mass of Blessed John XXIII, is the same Mass celebrated by the council Fathers from 1962-1965. That particular version of the Tridentine Mass does not have the prayers that offends the Jewish community because they were previously taken out by B. John XXIII himself.

"And now the undermining of the Decrees on Ecumenism and on Religious Liberty."

The decrees on Ecumenism and Religious Liberty never taught that the Catholic Church was not the Church of Christ.

"Forty years of work down the drain just to appease the SSPX schismatics."

No, it took 42 years to correct the misinterpretation of the Council.

"The only thing left for the church now is Reformation II. Where is the modern Martin Luther?"

The only thing left is to adhere to the true teachings of the Second Vatican Council

Published by: Jack
USA 07/10/2007 12:44 PM EST

Those who oppose Vatican II are outside of the Church. I pray that they lovingly accept the Church for all that She is, the Bride of Christ. God would be happy with this.

Published by: Henry
Virginia 07/10/2007 11:31 AM EST

Rate: Regular

Well, so much for Vatican II. It was fun while it lasted. First the return to the old latin mass and alienation of the Jewish community. And now the undermining of the Decrees on Ecumenism and on Religious Liberty. Forty years of work down the drain just to appease the SSPX schismatics. The only thing left for the church now is Reformation II. Where is the modern Martin Luther?

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