Vatican official explains that Anglican conversions are fruit of authentic ecumenism

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Cardinal Walter Kasper

Vatican City, Nov 23, 2009 / 01:22 pm (CNA).- Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, explained last week that the entrance of Anglicans into the Catholic Church is the fruit of authentic ecumenism inspired by the Second Vatican Council.

On the eve of a scheduled meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and the leader of the Anglican Church, Archbishop Rowan Williams, Cardinal Kasper commented on the openness of the Catholic Church to Anglicans who asked to be admitted into full communion.

Ecumenism is not an “option” that the Church can accept or reject but is rather “a sacred duty,” he said.

“Ecumenism is not an appendix of our pastoral obligations or a luxury. The principles of the Vatican II decree ‘Unitatis redintegratio,’ that is, ecumenism in truth and love, are also valid for the future. This decree is the magna carta of our ecumenical journey towards the future,” the cardinal said.

The decree "Unitatis redintegratio” states that “promoting the restoration of unity between all Christians is one of the main ends proposed by the sacrosanct Vatican Council II,” he added.

Cardinal Kasper added that the effort to reach out to Anglicans is in complete conformity with the decree, “which distinguishes between conversions and ecumenism as dialogue with the other churches for the purpose of full communion.”

He reiterated that the decree does not represent “a new ecumenism,” but rather the fruit of the ecumenical dialogue of recent decades, “a strong drive to move ahead in our ecumenical commitment.”

Comments: 4

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Matariel
Salem, VA, USA 11/27/2009 08:25 PM EST

While the Second Vatican Council is an authoritative council in pastoral matters, it was not a doctrinal council. Francis, you have a misplaced distrust of the Second Council. It's not the council itself that is wrong, but the purposeful misinterpretations of the council by heterodox laity and clergy that are wrong. Thank Christ that these people from the failed Anglican denomination are now coming into the one sheepfold of Christ, the holy and undivided Catholic Church under the Successor of St. Peter.

Published by: Peskadot
Guam 11/27/2009 02:50 AM EST

Francis seems to have a misplaced contempt for the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. The Council is the authentic magisterium of the Catholic Church. If he disagrees with the Council, it is likely that he, not the Council, is in error.

Published by: Louie
Philippines 11/23/2009 10:47 PM EST

By Gods grace I hope all Christians will be in communion with the Universal Church and the Successor of the Apostle Peter. I am with you in your prayers Cardinal Kasper. There are really efforts that we cannot procure for ourselves, that said efforts could only come from the Lord who is full of mercy and kindness.

Published by: Francis
Wareham Ma 11/23/2009 01:34 PM EST

You are wrong Mr Kasper, The Anglican conversions to the Catholic Church are not because of Vatican II "ecumenism" but IN SPITE OF IT!!!

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