Local structures of
dialogue
31.
The Church's commitment to ecumenical dialogue, as it has clearly appeared
since the Council, far from being the responsibility of the Apostolic See
alone, is also the duty of individual local or particular Churches. Special commissions
for fostering the ecumenical spirit and ecumenical activity have been set up by
the Bishops' Conferences and the Synods of the Eastern Catholic Churches.
Suitable structures similar to these are operating in individual Dioceses.
These initiatives are a sign of the widespread practical commitment of the
Catholic Church to apply the Council's guidelines on ecumenism: this is an
essential aspect of the ecumenical movement.55 Dialogue has not only
been undertaken; it has become an outright necessity, one of the
Church's priorities. As a result, the "methods" of dialogue have
been improved, which in turn has helped the spirit of dialogue to grow. In this
context mention has to be made in the first place of "dialogue between
competent experts from different Churches and Communities. In their meetings,
which are organized in a religious spirit, each explains the teaching of his
Communion in greater depth and brings out clearly its distinctive
features".56 Moreover, it is useful for all the faithful to be
familiar with the method which makes dialogue possible.
32.
As the Council's Declaration on Religious Freedom affirms: "Truth is to be
sought after in a manner proper to the dignity of the human person and his
social nature. The inquiry is to be free, carried on with the aid of teaching
or instruction, communication, and dialogue. In the course of these, people
explain to one another the truth they have discovered, or think they have
discovered, in order thus to assist one another in the quest for truth.
Moreover, as the truth is discovered, it is by a personal assent that
individuals are to adhere to it".57
Ecumenical dialogue is of
essential importance. "Through such dialogue everyone gains a truer
knowledge and more just appreciation of the teaching and religious life
of both Communions. In addition, these Communions cooperate more closely
in whatever projects a Christian conscience demands for the common good. They
also come together for common prayer, where that is permitted. Finally, all are
led to examine their own faithfulness to Christ's will for the Church and,
wherever necessary, undertake with vigour the tasks of renewal and
reform".58
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