New York City, N.Y., Apr 18, 2008 / 16:09 pm
Around 300 people involved in ecumenical dialogue gathered on Friday evening at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church to hear Pope Benedict speak to them about their efforts at strengthening Christian unity. The Pope told the congregation that the world needs to see the witness of a united Christian community and that this can only be achieved by a Christianity founded on a non-relativistic faith, a faith based on the certain teachings of the apostles.
The Holy Father began his address to the 250 Protestant and Orthodox leaders, who were joined by the 50 Catholics, by highlighting the impact of the ecumenical movement in the US saying, “The contribution of Christians in the United States to the ecumenical movement is felt throughout the world.”
Following a reading from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, the Pope said, “Paul's exhortation resounds with no less vigor today. His words instill in us the confidence that the Lord will never abandon us in our quest for unity. They also call us to live in a way that bears witness to the ‘one heart and mind’”.
This call now resounds in the context of a humanity being impacted by an increasingly globalized society, said Benedict.